Federal immigration enforcement has been active around Tufts University’s Medford/Somerville campus, according to a recent email to the community. The Office of Public Safety at Tufts is working with local authorities in Somerville and Medford to keep an eye on the situation.
Students who see immigration officials near campus are encouraged to contact the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) right away. The TUPD has protocols in place to handle these situations, including checking the legitimacy of any requests from officials through the Office of University Counsel.
To keep everyone safe, Tufts Public Safety advises students to be vigilant. Don’t hold doors for strangers or let anyone enter without a Tufts ID. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Residents have reported sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in local areas, including Malden Center and Davis Square. These posts have raised alarms about ICE potentially targeting liberal cities like Somerville. The Boston Globe noted that these concerns intensified after similar incidents in Minnesota.
Last year, Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk was detained by ICE, deepening fears within the community. Both Somerville and Medford have taken steps to protect residents from such federal actions. Medford officials recently adopted a resolution stating that ICE is not welcome in their community.
Community efforts to monitor ICE activity include calling or texting the LUCE hotline, which operates daily. The LUCE Immigrant Network aims to mobilize community members to respond to ICE actions and provide support against detention and deportation.
Additionally, recent statistics show that the presence of federal immigration agents has increased across many states. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 75% of immigrant communities are worried about enforcement operations. This climate of fear affects not just undocumented individuals but the broader community, impacting everyday interactions and feelings of safety.
As the situation evolves, it’s crucial for communities to stay informed and proactive about their safety and rights.
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