Filipino Group in LA Wary Over Immigration Raids
Image Caption: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detain a suspect as they conduct a targeted enforcement operation in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on February 7, 2017. Picture taken on February 7, 2017. Courtesy Charles Reed/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Reuters
Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN News North America Bureau
CARSON, CA – Filipinos in Los Angeles, California are wary of the raids being conducted against undocumented aliens.
LA is believed to have one of the highest undocumented populations in the country, making it a popular target for immigration raids.
This past week 160 undocumented immigrants were rounded up in Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raids, triggering protests in the country’s second largest city.
The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), which advocates for the rights of undocumented Filipinos, has been monitoring the situation. While none of those picked up by ICE this week were Filipino, they said the fear is real.
“They have called me, texted me saying – what do they need to do? We have also already distributed fliers for them to know their rights for example if ICE will knock on your doors,” said Lolita Andrada Lledo, Associate Director of PWC.
“We are asking all the undocumented to keep in touch, call the Pilipino Workers Center. We also have our hotline in any case you’re apprehended,” she continued.
As the fear of deportations grows, community groups are now working to allay fears and give services to anyone who may be affected.
“There is a real concern in our community. What we’re trying to do at PWC is make sure people know their rights, how to respond to a possible raid or arrest of individuals,” said PWC organizer Ian Kamus.
“What we are trying to do is be part of a network that provides legal aid and services,” he said.
While Los Angeles city and county said it will maintain its sanctuary policies, the LA Unified School district is also doing its part to help students affected by immigration issues.
“We have resources in place at our school sites, we are (a) full sanctuary district. And we will not cooperate with immigration authorities or any type of enforcement,” said Steve Zimmer, President of LA Unified School District.
“Our schools are safe for every family,” Zimmer continued.
The PWC will hold a forum later this month at their center, in partnership with other organizations. They hope to teach immigrants about their rights in the event of an ICE raid or arrest.
While the raids have struck fear in many immigrant communities, Lledo said it is now time to fight back.
“If we just keep this situation like nothing, we do not act, we do not complain they would sweep all the places where they think there are undocumented (people),” Lledo said.
“But if we project to the world this not OK, that it is inappropriate to deny and separate families, then the American family will join us in protesting Trump,” she continued.
“It’s not fair for you to target us,” she added.
Immigration officials have said that last week’s raids have nothing to do with the new administration’s tough stance on immigration. The raids, they said, were targeting illegal aliens with criminal records. They said that this has been part of their routine tasks.
But as community groups and officials try to find aid to people affected by these raids, advocates said there was another opponent to be wary of: phony lawyers and scammers looking to cash in on the fears.
(Source: ABS-CBN.com)