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Southern California reacts to news of pending ICE raids

by in News

First came President Donald Trump’s tweets warning of mass immigration raids. On Friday, that was followed by published reports that the raids will begin Sunday morning

The news, from the Washington Post and later reported by CNN, the New York Times and other outlets, riled immigrants who are in the country illegally or who have relatives facing possible deportation. ICE officials said Friday that they are planning to target people who remain in the United States after receiving formal orders to leave the country.

People who are worried however include all undocumented immigrants; people like Leticia, a resident in the Inland Empire who, along with her husband, has been living in Southern California without documentation for 18 years.

Their children, she said, have legal status. “But even my youngest son, who was born here, is afraid,” she added.

Immigrant-rights advocates described the planned raids as a campaign ploy that would do little more than instill fear in the immigrant community.

But for people who want tougher immigration laws and enforcement of existing laws, the plan to expedite the removal of more than 2,000 people who entered the country illegally in recent years was welcome news.  They argue that unauthorized immigrants put a toll on schools, hospitals, and other public services.

“I support the president’s stance on removing those illegally present,” said Robin Hvidston, who heads We the People Rising,  an anti-immigration group based in Claremont.

In Los Angeles, attorneys with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) plan to have attorneys outside the downtown detention center, along with supporters staging rallies, said spokesman Jorge-Mario Cabrera.

In Pomona, Mayor Tim Sandoval Police Chief Michael Olivieri put out statements Friday saying their city will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

“Pomona PD does not care about someone’s immigration status,” Olivieri wrote.

Meanwhile, some Democratic legislators expressed concern about the pending raids. Some, on Friday, tweeted out pointers on what to do should an immigration agent knock on residents’ doors. They included Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles, and Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona.  Torres, saying she was “deeply concerned for the well-being and safety” of her constituents, also said she has a 24-hour hotline: 909-767-7038.

And in Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti pledged to provide information and support in advance of the ICE raids. “No Angeleno should ever have to fear being snatched from their home or separated from their loved ones,” he wrote.

Staff Writer Jonah Valdez contributed to this report.