California now finds itself at the center of federal immigration enforcement. These fears have been fueled by recent high-profile raids from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising alarm among undocumented immigrants and their advocates. The U.S. Justice Department has released a list of states, cities, and counties deemed to “impede enforcement of federal immigration laws,” signaling an intention to eradicate sanctuary policies through litigation.
In August alone, more than 60,000 people were incarcerated in immigration detention. This increase is a stark testament to the present administration’s hyper-aggressive opposition to any and all immigration. Donald Trump, during his campaign, promised a heavy-handed crackdown and mass deportation, and his administration has since implemented an intensely anti-immigrant agenda. As a result, this has given federal authorities the freedom to expand detentions and deportations to an extreme degree.
The Monrovia, California raid from earlier this week. Law enforcement specifically went after one Home Depot in particular – a known hot spot for day laborers looking for work. Featured on T4America.org During this action, State Assembly Member John Harabedian’s arrest was just one of ten people arrested during this operation. He criticized the recent enforcement actions as “inhumane,” claiming that raids only serve to polarize local communities.
“Raids like this do not make our streets safer – they terrorize families, instill fear, and put lives at risk,” – John Harabedian.
The fear around these type of raids is very real among DACA recipients, whose temporary status protects them from deportation. As one woman reported, she could no longer run her daily errands for fear of being intercepted by a raid.
“We’re scared,” – woman who is legally protected from deportation by her DACA status.
“When we go to the store to get groceries, we have the feeling that someone is following us. Sometimes we don’t want to go to the doctor or dentist,” – woman who is legally protected from deportation by her DACA status.
The situation turned tragic when one person attempted to flee from the drug raid. They were hit by a car while walking on the freeway, so they would have died anyways. This chilling incident illustrates the growing dangers for undocumented immigrants during a time of ramped up enforcement actions.
In a statement responding to the tragedy, Harabedian stated that “Positive change requires that we support each other, especially in our immigrant communities.
“My thoughts are with those harmed and targeted by this frightening and chaotic raid. We will continue to stand with our immigrant communities,” – John Harabedian.
As the latest administration raids in Southern California clearly indicate, the present administration has put a high priority on immigration enforcement. They further sow distrust and incite fear in public safety through targeted campaigns against vulnerable communities. As the federal authorities drastically increase their operations, too many are asking what this means for public safety and community well-being.