On March 16th, 2018, National Public Radio (NPR) published a disturbing story about immigration activists who are alleging that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been actively retaliating against immigration rights advocates around the country. According to the report, ICE has been aggressively targeting enforcement action against some high-profile undocumented immigrants and immigrant rights groups.
At the Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our immigration law advocates are committed to supporting immigrant rights in Southern California. We stand firmly against any heavy-handed ICE tactics targeted at individual activists and members of immigrant rights groups. Everyone in the United States deserves the ability to protest without fear of retribution.
The ACLU Contends that Two Dozen Immigrant Advocates Have Been Targeted
According to the report from NPR, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has provided information indicating that approximately two dozen immigration activists have been targeted by federal immigration enforcement officers. Unfortunately, there have even been cases reported in which ICE has arrested undocumented immigration activists and put them into immediate deportation proceedings. Targeting enforcement against people for their political beliefs and political actions is unacceptable. It should never occur.
A Federal Judge Has Rebuked ICE’s Conduct
One of the most notable ICE enforcement cases was resolved earlier this year, when a federal judge freed an immigration activist on the grounds that ICE used “cruel” and “unlawful” enforcement tactics against him. On January 30th, 2018 U.S. District Judge Katherine B. Forrest freed immigration activist Ravi Ragbir, blasting the Trump Administration for using authoritarian tactics to target the activist and deny him some of his basic rights. According to the decision, Ravi Ragbir was plucked by ICE and moved for immediate deportation without a chance to even say goodbye to his family and his loved ones. Notably, Mr. Ragbir was a high-profile immigrant rights advocate in New York City, who once even met with officials from the Obama Administration.
The United Nations Has Issued a Statement
On February 14th, 2018, the United Nations Office of Human Rights released a public statement urging the United States federal government to respect the rights of protesters and activists. Specifically, the United Nations called on the Trump Administration to “take all necessary measures to guarantee that no action, including detention and deportation, as means of retaliation…” is taken.
This is a strong stance on an incredibly important issue. The United States government must allow all people to express their voices. Targeting immigration activists for harsh enforcement is unacceptable. Federal immigration officers and enforcement agencies should never be used to attempt to quash political dissent.
Are You Facing Deportation or Removal in California?
Our legal team can help. At the Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our California deportation attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of immigrants and their family members. For immediate assistance with your case, please call us today at (213) 262-2000 for a confidential case evaluation. With an office in Los Angeles, our law firm serves communities throughout Southern California.
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