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Irvine Councilmember Warns Undocumented Residents of ICE Raids

Community members gather to protest against the anticipated ICE raids in Irvine.

News Summary

Councilmember Kathleen Treseder of Irvine has alerted undocumented residents to remain at home due to expected ICE operations in the city. ICE is set to target known criminal offenders at multiple locations in Irvine, with assurance from local police that they will not take part in these enforcement activities. Meanwhile, escalating tensions in Los Angeles have led to protests against ICE raids, resulting in violence and arrests, as state officials criticize federal immigration policies and call for peaceful protests.

Irvine – Councilmember Kathleen Treseder of Irvine has issued a warning to undocumented residents in the area, advising them to stay home due to anticipated planned operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Treseder made this announcement on her Instagram account, highlighting that ICE agents are expected to be present at eight to ten locations within the city, with Orchard Hills identified as a potential site. The alert was communicated to Treseder by Irvine City Manager Oliver Chi, who had received the information from federal officials earlier that morning.

The Irvine Police Department has confirmed that they were notified of ICE’s operations. However, the police department clarified that they would not be participating in any immigration enforcement activities. ICE has assured local law enforcement that the operations will focus specifically on known criminal offenders rather than involve widespread raids that might affect innocent community members.

Escalating Tensions in Los Angeles

In a related context, significant protests broke out in downtown Los Angeles in response to recent ICE raids, resulting in escalated tensions and violence. Mayor Karen Bass implemented a curfew in the downtown area amidst the unrest. In light of the clashes between protesters and immigration agents, the California National Guard has been deployed to assist local law enforcement. This marks the first instance since 1965 that National Guard troops have been sent to support local enforcement without a formal request from the governor of California.

Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment of the National Guard, labeling it as politically motivated and unnecessary. The protests have involved confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators, with reports of violence surfacing, including incidents where protesters threw rocks, and law enforcement responded with rubber bullets and tear gas. Multiple assemblies were declared unlawful by Los Angeles police, which attempted to manage the gatherings and disperse the crowds protesting against immigration enforcement.

Violence and Arrests

Over the weekend, approximately 27 arrests were made as a result of the violent protests, leading to injuries among law enforcement officers. National Guard troops have been stationed near key federal facilities as fears among immigrant communities rise, fueled by the anticipation of ICE’s actions.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has warned that protesters will be subjected to investigation and monitoring through social media and video evidence to ensure accountability during the demonstrations. Mayor Bass has reiterated the importance of peaceful protests while voicing dissatisfaction with the federal tactics used in immigration enforcement.

Critics of Federal Immigration Policies

Critics, including state officials and community organizations, have condemned the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement, asserting that it disproportionately impacts law-abiding individuals and immigrant families. The situation highlights a growing divide in opinions regarding the methods employed by federal authorities in handling immigration cases.

Both Treseder, Governor Newsom, and Mayor Bass have called for de-escalation and a focus on maintaining peace amid the rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement across California. The emphasis remains on the need for civil discourse and community solidarity in the face of ongoing challenges related to immigration policies and their local implications.