Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-New York)
has introduced a bill in Congress that would prohibit U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents from identifying
themselves as “police” in searching for immigrants who are
living in the country with no legal status. As the Trump administration
has increased enforcement efforts in recent months, local government officials
have complained that ICE agents doing so are acting deceitfully and heightening
tensions in their communities. At least a dozen other Democrats have endorsed
the bill, including Rep. Juan Vargas (D-California), as well as numerous
advocacy groups. Previously, government officials in Los Angeles sent
a letter to the directors of ICE, urging that ICE agents stop the common
practice of identifying themselves as “police” in carrying
out their duties. These officials claim that the city’s immigrant
populations already are living in fear in the current atmosphere of dramatically
increased immigration enforcement actions. When ICE agents inappropriately
identify as “police,” immigrant community members tend to
report less and less crimes as they occur. The L.A. police chief also
has distanced the city’s police force work from ICE in order to
keep channels of communication open between the immigrant community and
law enforcement. According to ICE, however, it is perfectly legal for
agents to identify themselves as “police,” and they claim
that an inability to do so could be dangerous. While ICE agents technically
are a law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), they do not have the power to enter someone’s home without
a search warrant. ICE agents must get permission to enter the home from
an adult for a warrantless entry. At
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we are closely watching the progression of bills at both the federal
and state levels that address protections for immigrants. As the atmosphere
surrounding immigrants and immigrant rights continues to change rapidly,
we are devoted to safeguarding the rights of detained immigrants and working
toward their release from detention. We know how to assess the merits
of your case, examine your options, and offer you a strong defense against
removal. Contact your
California deportation defense attorneys
today and set up an appointment to speak with our legal team.
Categories:
Starting June 1, 2020, we are open for in-person consultations! We have social distancing protocols in place to keep everyone safe.
Please DOWNLOAD our FREE GUIDE for Immigrants to THRIVE during the COVID-19 Pandemic ( English / Español )!