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Yesterday, ICE arrested nearly 700 immigrants in a series of worksite raids across MS. Agents say the operation was being planned for months. But clearly they didn’t follow their own guidelines and make “plans” to reduce harm to kids. #ICEraids (1/10)
During worksite raids w/ 25+ workers, ICE agents are expected to identify & consider for release people who: are sole caregivers of children; have serious medical conditions; are pregnant or nursing; or are caretakers of disabled or seriously ill relatives. #ICEraids (2/10)
ICE is also expected to coordinate w/ state or local social service agencies to help identify people who qualify for humanitarian release. At minimum, ICE is supposed to notify the heads of state social service agencies that a worksite action is imminent. #ICEraids (3/10)
Why? Because even ICE knows that large-scale worksite raids terrorize families and communities. And that educators, social workers, and other helpers need to be prepared to help prevent children from going into protective services or spending the night alone. #ICEraids (4/10)
In the case of yesterday’s raids, reports from school leadership and state officials suggest they didn’t have a heads up and were totally blindsided. It was the #FirstDayOfSchool in many of the communities where raids took place. #ICEraids (5/10)
News reports in MS showed children stranded overnight at a local gym, sleeping on the floor, crying for their parents. Babies and toddlers were left at child care without anyone to pick them up. This is especially cruel knowing that it was completely avoidable. #ICEraids (6/10)
And it’s a nightmare that countless numbers of children have been living in fear of every day. In our research, we heard of 3 year olds who were afraid that their mom or dad wouldn’t be there when they got home from school. #ICEraids clasp.org/ourchildrensfe… (7/10)
We know what the aftermath of massive #ICEraids looks like. Children’s mental health will suffer. They may have difficulty sleeping or eating; cry frequently; or show signs of anxiety or withdrawal. Outcomes are more severe the longer children are separated from parents. (8/10)
Worksite raids often result in the loss of income for affected families, making it more difficult to make ends meet. Schools, child care centers, & other providers will be left to help families pick up the pieces after these man-made disasters. #ICEraids (9/10)
We @CLASP_DC condemn the administration’s ceaseless attacks on black and brown immigrant communities which are traumatizing an entire generation of children. We demand an end to family separation in all its forms. #FamiliesBelongTogether clasp.org/press-room/pre… (end)
