[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he expected raids starting Sunday across the country targeting thousands of undocumented immigrants are an act of authoritarianism under any definition you can muster. Mixed status homes are preparing to not answer the door if ICE comes knocking.
[UPDATE: The raids were originally planned for June 23 and were delayed last minute. Now they are back on for July 14 ]
Los Angeles Police Officers are not participating in ICE raids, according to LAPD Chief Michel Moore. The chief told the L.A. Times the LAPD does not cooperate with federal immigration authorities on enforcement measures, per longtime practice with law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, which is about half Latino and 35 percent immigrant.
Immigrant-rights activists and attorneys are mobilizing and staging demonstrations. CHIRLA, or the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, is staging rally outside the Metropolitan Detention Center on Sunday, on Alameda Street in downtown.
Protests all week starting Sunday, 10 AM at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center, where ICE detainees are held, organized by @CHIRLA: pic.twitter.com/ph9CfQt18x
— Studio Glibly (@NoTotally) June 22, 2019
Chief Moore said he was informed 140 people with removal orders will be targeted in L.A. If you or someone in your family or network has a removal order — watch the video below. ICE agents have been known to lie and trick people into opening their doors. Ask to see a warrant and have it slipped under door. Call your attorney or local attorney rapid response network immediately. See the full list for each region of California here.
"This is not about fear," the acting director of ICE said, sounding textbook Orwellian. If you are a citizen who witnesses a deportation arrest take place, do your duty and record and share relevant, provable information when you have it. Watch:
Know your rights. Read more here.
Demonstrations are also planned. Follow CHIRLA, CARECEN, the ACLU, DSA-LA, the NILC, and other organizations that advocate for keeping families together, to stay abreast on the struggle for immigrants rights under Trumpism.
RELATED: Los Angeles Stands Up For TPS.
* Updated.