NEW HAVEN --In three raids in separate states last weekend, 121 individuals were rounded up by immigration officials. Sources tell FOX 61 that operation is complete, so New Haven residents need not worry. But immigration activists and New Haven residents at a Wednesday rally were not buying it.
“News reports from across the nation are saying exactly the opposite,” said Joseph Foran, an activist for Unidad en Accion. “This is only the start of a campaign to go after Central Americans, who recently arrived in the last two years.”
The Department of Homeland Security’s recent raids were meant to target individuals who have been issued final orders of removal by an immigration court and have already exhausted appropriate legal remedies.
“But, we knew from the past here in New Haven, that that was not the case,” said Caprice Taylor Mendez, a New Haven resident whose family migrated from the Guatemala in 1976.
In 2007, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, arrested 32 New Haven residents with the intent of deporting them. Of the 32, 30 were permitted to stay in New Haven after receiving legal assistance, which is often provided free of charge by the Yale University Law School.
The rally finished with some role playing, during which various activists took part in a skit meant to help folks understand how they should react if ICE comes knocking at their door.
“They know not to open that door if an official comes knocking,” said Foran. “They know they have the right to remain silent. They know they have a right to call the lawyer.”
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp delivered a comforting message at the rally, which was attended by at least 100.
“New Haven police officers, school district employees and other city workers do not, and will not, act to enforce federal immigration laws,” said Harp, who received a loud cheer for her proclamation.
The prospect of deportation causes many parents to keep their children out of school for fear of separation. But Garth Harries, superintendent of New haven Public Schools, assured them that if ICE shows up at any school, parents and legal aid will be notified immediately.
Jeh Johnson, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that at his direction “additional enforcement operations, such as these, will continue to occur, as appropriate.”
