ICE raids

To: Retort
Via: SB
 
Loni Hancock's statement following ICE Raids in Berkeley and Oakland
On Tuesday, May 6, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) arrested the mother, aunt, and grandparents of two of our Berkeley students.  The same day, ICE officials attempted a raid near two Oakland schools - Esperanza Academy and Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy.  The two incidents catalyzed widespread fear among students and families across the East Bay.
  
I [Loni Hancock, who represents the district in the California State Assembly] am deeply concerned about the intimidation tactics employed by ICE officials.  Schools should be safe havens for learning - not sites of fear and intimidation. 
 
We must ensure that all children, documented or otherwise, receive an education.  Threats of ICE raids jeopardize the trust our community and families have in our public education institutions.  As a public official, I strongly oppose President Bush’s draconian tactics that create widespread fear in our community.  
 
I am pleased that local authorities are at school sites today to ensure that ICE officials are not present on or near school campuses.
 
Intimidation tactics employed by ICE, like the one that occurred last December when ICE agents followed a pregnant mother into Melrose Bridges Academy in Oakland as she dropped off her 6 year-old daughter cannot be tolerated. 
 
My office will continue to work with school districts, local law enforcement, legal and community advocates and elected officials to ensure that schools are safe for our children. The right of every student to learn must be protected.
 
Many East Bay cities, including Berkeley and Oakland, are sanctuary cities for immigrants and their families.  As a community, we welcome and value all of our residents and support their right to live and work free from fear and intimidation.  I support comprehensive immigration reform that is fair, just and humane.
 
For further information, please contact my district office at (510) 559-1406.