WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. immigration authorities launched a series of raids and other actions across several states Thursday and today, reports indicate, and arrested an unknown number of immigrants who lacked documentation. The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of National Immigration Forum:
“Reports of raids in immigrant communities are a grave concern. The security of our nation depends on law enforcement gaining and maintaining the trust of all members of a community, regardless of immigration status. These actions, as reported, undermine that trust, decrease public safety and do very little to keep our nation secure.
“These arrests and deportations, allegedly including those of otherwise law-abiding community members, separate families and tear apart communities. These law enforcement resources are best used to apprehend violent criminals, not hardworking families. The fear coursing through immigrant homes and the native-born Americans who love immigrants as friends and family is palpable.”