Update: Trump tweeted Saturday he is delaying the raids of undocumented immigrants by two weeks. Democrats must agree to changes in asylum law, or else. Or else the raids are back on.
The Washington Post is reporting ICE raids are set to begin in major U.S. cities, including Houston, tomorrow as part of the national roundup and deportation of undocumented immigrants announced by President Trump on Twitter.
The feds are targeting 2,000 families who have deportation orders or have missed court dates. Others however, like refugees and asylum seekers who legally can’t be deported, might get caught up in the roundup.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a statement Friday saying the city has not been notified of pending raids and made clear the lines of authority.
“The city does not try to do ICE’s job, nor does it try to impede ICE,” said Turner. “And we will continue to be a city that builds relationships, not walls.”
Through a Facebook video, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Texas, Edgar Saldivar, walked through the constitutional rights of immigrants, regardless of immigration status.
If ICE agents come knocking, he said, ask to see the warrant – which must be signed by a judge – before opening the door.
The national ACLU has issued a comprehensive “know your rights” document.
As is the norm, there is significant disagreement within the Trump Administration about the scope of its proposed raids. The acting Department of Homeland Security head, Kevin McAleenan, opposes the large-scale 2,000 family target, preferring a more targeted 150 families.
The raids are set to begin following Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement Friday that he’s sending 1,000 National Guard troops to the border.
