Recent Enforcement Efforts in the United States: A Call to Action

Recent Enforcement Actions What? January 2 nd -4 th ICE apprehended 121 individuals in Texas, North Carolina, Georgia Who? – Mostly mothers who had final orders of removal who had arrived after 1/1/2014 Why? – Enforce the laws? – Deter migration? What’s next?

Due Process Concerns Exist for These Families January 2016: CARA appeals 12 enforcement cases to BIA and wins stays of deportation for 33 people January 26: Southern Poverty Law Center finds problems with many of the efforts January 28: Women write letters to President Obama

What Is Motivation for the Actions? Policy Guidance: DHS Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants Memo-11/20/2014 Political Reasoning? Timing Rationale?

Who Is A Target? If you don’t fall into one of the three categories identified by the government as priorities for deportation, there is less chance that ICE will pick you up to deport you. However, DHS has said that there will be more deportations, in keeping with these priorities President Barack Obama established: 1.People who are considered a threat to national security, to border security, or who have been convicted of serious crimes, such as participation in a gang. 2.People who have been convicted of specific types of other crimes, such as drug trafficking or sexual abuse. 3. People who were issued deportation orders after Jan. 1, 2014.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Being Deported? If you are in the process of seeking asylum or any other type of legal status, continue to go to appointments with immigration authorities and judges. If you move, be sure you notify ICE and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Don’t break the law. If you haven’t spoken to a qualified attorney or BIA accredited representative about your legal status, seek help from one. You may learn there are options for improving your legal situation. Find a local CLINIC affiliate here:

Know Your Rights Do not open the door to immigration agents or police unless they have a legal document with your name on it. Ask them to slip it under the door before you admit them. Tell your children not to open the door. Remain silent. You do not have to answer their questions. Do not sign anything and ask to speak with an attorney or legal representative.

Advocacy to End Family Detention and Stop Enforcement Actions Against Families 1)Policy Ask: Tell the White House: – STOP DETAINING FAMILIES – STOP TARGETING FAMILIES 2)Community Ask: Work to Assist These Families in Your Community- Welcome, Accompaniment, Legal Services 3)Awareness Ask: Educate your fellow parishioners about recent enforcement actions

Questions Ashley Feasley, Director of Advocacy