ICE Raids to Increase in LA and Sanctuary Cities
- Federal authorities signaled a planned escalation of immigration enforcement operations in major U.S.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced on July 25, 2019, that the agency would increase immigration raids in several cities with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- These announcements followed a period of increased ICE activity in Southern California beginning in June 2019, resulting in thousands of arrests and legal challenges as reported by the...
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Increased ICE Raids Planned for Sanctuary Cities
Table of Contents
Federal authorities signaled a planned escalation of immigration enforcement operations in major U.S. cities with policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Escalating Enforcement in Sanctuary Cities
Tom Homan,then-acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced on July 25, 2019, that the agency would increase immigration raids in several cities with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Homan specifically mentioned Los Angeles, New York, Portland, and seattle as targets, with Chicago potentially following during a press briefing.
These announcements followed a period of increased ICE activity in Southern California beginning in June 2019, resulting in thousands of arrests and legal challenges as reported by the Associated Press.
Defining “Sanctuary Cities”
The term “sanctuary city” lacks a universally accepted legal definition. Generally, it refers to jurisdictions that have adopted policies limiting their cooperation with ICE, such as refusing to honor ICE detainers or restricting local law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration status according to the Associated Press.
These policies are often rooted in concerns about civil liberties and the potential for racial profiling. Advocates argue that local law enforcement should focus on local crime rather than federal immigration enforcement.
Chicago as a Potential Target
Homan indicated that ICE was exploring the use of a naval base north of Chicago as a potential hub for enforcement operations in the city during the July 25th briefing. This suggests a significant planned operation in Chicago, though specific details were not provided.
Legal and Constitutional Challenges
The increased ICE activity, particularly in Southern California, has sparked legal challenges.Critics argue that the raids may violate constitutional rights, including the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Legal battles center on the scope of ICE’s authority and the limits of its enforcement powers.