09.29.2017

NEW YORK - In response to news that Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeted hundreds of immigrants in a massive set of raids called Operation Safe City, the Center for Popular Democracy released the following statement from Co-Executive Director Ana Maria Archila:

"We are deeply disturbed by news that ICE targeted hundreds of families in a politically motivated set of raids. Yet again, the Trump administration is attempting to terrorize immigrant communities, keep families in fear, and undermine the trust immigrants have in cities that refuse to subsidize federal immigration enforcement. 

Courts have already ruled that the federal government cannot withhold funding from sanctuary cities, but Trump continues to scapegoat immigrants to score political points with his white nationalist base. 

ICE's actions are particularly troubling because they take place under a veil of secrecy, with only scant details released to the public. Knowing how often ICE has lied about the true purpose of their raids before, it is hard for us to believe any of their claims about Operation Safe City.

In reality, ICE raids make communities less safe by instilling mistrust and tearing families apart. The raids are yet more proof that we need to continue resisting ICE and fighting for immigration laws that protect our families, including a clean Dream Act. CPD's network of organizations will keep pressing local governments to protect their cities from the Trump administration, keep families together and Dreamers in our country, and advancing our vision of an inclusive society."

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Media Contact:

Asya Pikovsky, apikovsky@populardemocracy.org, 207-522-244