3 days ago
San Jose's undocumented residents ‘under attack' by ICE, councilman says
(KRON) — Following recent arrests in San Jose carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a city councilman declared that local undocumented residents are 'under attack.'
Councilmember Peter Ortiz described increased federal immigration enforcement as 'disturbing.' Ortiz sent a memo Friday calling on the city to allocate $1 million in emergency funding to support and protect immigrant and undocumented communities.
The councilman said he is making the request in the midst of increased ICE apprehensions and the recent opening of a new ICE office in South San Jose.
'Our community is under attack. ICE has begun to increase its presence in our neighborhoods, and families are being torn apart. These are not abstract headlines — these are our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers. The people of San Jose deserve to feel safe in their own city,' Ortiz said.
The memo calls on the City Council to approve the funding during a final budget hearing on Tuesday, June 10th, as a moral response to the 'crisis.' The requested $1 million will provide legal assistance, rapid response services, and community outreach to ensure undocumented residents know their rights and have access to help.
ICE agents made arrests in San Jose Wednesday. On Tuesday, ICE agents were seen conducting an operation in the area of Snell Avenue and Blossom Hill Road.
'We know the federal government is ramping up enforcement efforts and expanding their capacity to detain and deport. What we've seen here in San Jose is likely just the beginning,' Ortiz said. 'We cannot allow members of our community to be hunted and captured like animals.'
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told KRON4 on Friday that ICE's Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program and Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) exist to ensure compliance.
The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, 'All illegal aliens are afforded due process. Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order. If you are in the country illegally and a judge has ordered you to be removed, that is precisely what will happen. During the Biden administration, thousands of illegal aliens — including violent criminals — with final orders of removal were on ATD and allowed to roam our communities. This should never have been the case. Thanks to the leadership of Secretary Noem and President Trump, the proper policy is back in place.'
Ortiz's memo said immigrants serve a critical role in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of San Jose.
The San Jose City Budget Hearing will take place June 10 at City Hall. Public comment will be open, and residents are encouraged to attend and speak out.
Federal immigration agents raided several locations in downtown Los Angeles Friday. Agents reportedly detained dozens of people while encountering protesters. Officers wearing vests emblazoned with HSI — an acronym for Homeland Security Investigations — were seen taking people into custody, KTLA reported.
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