The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly canceled a series of nationwide raids scheduled for mid-September that would have added up to the largest—and possibly, most devastating—enforcement operation in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) history.
“Multiple sources within and close to ICE” initially shared information about the raids with various immigrant rights groups. But following public outcry and further exposure from an NBC News report, DHS announced that “Operation Mega”—set to target some 8,400 undocumented immigrants later this month and "the largest operation of its kind in the history of ICE"—was off, allegedly due to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma:
"While we generally do not comment on future potential law enforcement actions, operational plans are subject to change based on a variety of factors," ICE spokesman Sarah Rodriguez said in a statement. "Due to the current weather situation in Florida and other potentially impacted areas, along with the ongoing recovery in Texas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had already reviewed all upcoming operations and has adjusted accordingly. There is currently no coordinated nationwide operation planned at this time. The priority in the affected areas should remain focused on life-saving and life-sustaining activities."
Of course, Hurricane Harvey didn’t stop Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from shutting down Border Patrol checkpoints in Texas, leaving undocumented immigrant families in so much fear that Houston officials had to issue public reassurances that no one would be asked for their I.D. or immigration status at hurricane shelters.
Following the initial rumors of “Operation Mega”—no doubt a reference to “MAGA”—immigrant rights advocates issued an all-hands-on-deck alert, encouraging immigrant families to “review their safety plans and tips for how they can defend their rights if they encounter ICE.” This includes not opening doors for any ICE agents, the right to remain silent, and not signing anything without talking to an attorney first.
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