Clarifying ICE’s Presence in Oakland: Why Large Immigration Raids Haven’t Started Yet

In the wake of recent immigration raids and protests, rumors of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sightings have spread rapidly through Oakland. Many community members are anxious and alert, but this heightened concern has led to an overload of unverified reports.

Abby Sullivan Engen, an attorney at Centro Legal De La Raza, expressed her worries about the confusion. "We’re getting a flood of reports about possible ICE sightings," she said. "While many reports may be well-intentioned, they can divert resources from crucial support work."

Centro Legal is collaborating with the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP), a new initiative launched to help immigrants facing fears of enforcement actions. This partnership connects individuals with legal assistance and helps confirm the nature of reported ICE sightings.

ACILEP was funded by a $700,000 grant from Alameda County Social Services and additional support from the Board of Supervisors. Initially, activists were concerned that such funding might vanish if federal enforcement actions increased. However, Engen confirmed that there have been no confirmed detentions of Oakland residents linked to their services.

Although the Oakland Police Department acknowledges that ICE has targeted specific individuals, details remain scarce. An ICE spokesperson stated that they don’t confirm operations but can announce arrests of those who violate immigration laws.

Local laws limit Oakland’s police and sheriff’s departments from assisting with federal immigration enforcement unless the individual in question has been convicted of a crime. In 2018, the City Council took further steps to protect immigrant communities by prohibiting contracts with companies involved in data collection for ICE.

Despite these local restrictions, Engen pointed out that ICE works with private contractors, like those behind the BI SmartLINK® app, which tracks users’ immigration cases and includes location tracking. Engen emphasizes the importance of vigilance and verification before spreading unconfirmed sightings.

"Before posting anything on social media, call the ACILEP hotline," she advised. "Trained staff can help determine whether you’re spotting ICE, another agency, or just someone else."

Recent trends indicate rising anxiety about immigration enforcement nationwide, particularly since ICE has been targeting individuals appearing for immigration court hearings. Engen noted this is a troubling first; individuals who follow legal processes are being arrested during court appearances, contradicting their effort to comply with U.S. laws.

This change has sparked nationwide protests, where community members are encouraged to support local organizations helping immigrants. Engen highlighted that donations to nonprofits can make a significant impact.

As these events unfold, staying informed and connected with verified resources like ACILEP is crucial for the community. For more on immigrant rights and local resources, you can visit Centro Legal De La Raza and ACILEP.

In times like these, understanding the landscape and providing actual support can make a meaningful difference for those affected.

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immigration,Immigration and Customs Enforcement