Congressman Chuy García’s Statement on Reports of ICE Raids Starting This Weekend

Chicago, IL- Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement in response to news reports that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency will begin conducting raids in major U.S. cities on Sunday:

"Today's news reports indicating that ICE will target up to 2,000 immigrant families for deportation in ten major cities, including Chicago, as soon as Sunday are outrageous. Immigrant communities have been living in fear since Donald Trump became president, and not a day goes by without his Administration issuing new xenophobic and hateful policies and directives.

"These alarming reports of potential ICE raids come just days after the Senate Appropriations Committee approved emergency border supplemental funds that ICE claims it needs to address the humanitarian crisis at the border. If the Administration truly wanted to find solutions to the humanitarian crisis at the border, it would improve and expand case management programs and conditions for detainees, rather than target children and families in the middle of the night.

"Everyone in the U.S. has constitutional rights and protections, regardless of immigration status. It is crucial for our community members to know their rights and to find local organizations with resources and support. As an immigrant, I stand in solidarity with everyone -- immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers -- who come to America looking for a better life. As a Member of Congress, I will continue working to protect immigrants in my community and hold this Administration accountable for its cruel family separation policies."