Oakland Mayor Warns Of Impending ICE Raids In Bay Area

OAKLAND, CA -- The mayor of Oakland issued a rare warning Saturday, telling residents that immigration officers may be coming to the city. In a Facebook post, Mayor Libby Schaaf said she "learned from multiple credible sources that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to conduct an operation in the Bay Area, including Oakland, starting as soon as within the next 24 hours."

Schaaf posted the warning on Facebook.

"As Mayor of Oakland, I am sharing this information publicly not to panic our residents but to protect them, Schaaf said. "My priority is for the well-being and safety of all residents — particularly our most vulnerable — and I know that Oakland is safer when we share information, encourage community awareness, and care for our neighbors."

Schaaf urged "interested residents" to look at the website www.centrolegal.org/acilep/ "to understand their legal rights and options in the event they face detention or know someone who needs legal representation.
In Oakland, OUSD public schools have strict protocols in place to protect our students and families. Oakland police officers are prohibited from participating in ICE activities."

Schaaf went on to say she was unaware of the "precise locations" of the raids.

"I know that Oakland is a city of law-abiding immigrants and families who deserve to live free from the constant threat of arrest and deportation," Schaaf said. "I believe it is my duty and moral obligation as Mayor to give those families fair warning when that threat appears imminent."

The mayor's warning comes as the Trump Administration promised supporters to deport anyone in the U.S. illegally.

--Photo via city of Oakland