Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, activity in Georgia has recently surged, raising concerns among many. There have been reports of raids in workplaces, neighborhoods and schools that have raised alarms throughout communities. New enforcement and authorities have caused this increase in the activity of ICE operations.
One of the more significant concerns is ICE’s ability to enter locations that were not previously allowed for them to enter such as schools and college campuses. ICE has historically avoided schools, hospitals and places of worship under certain policies.
Reports have suggested they have been seen near colleges in Georgia, leaving many students fearful.
“I dislike ICE being able to wander into school and detain children,” said Jacub Gonzalez-Labra, a sophomore English, Liberal studies and Spanish major. “The attention and fear the children must get is definitely something that will haunt them. A school is a haven that provides knowledge. It feels safe to be in a classroom because you are there to learn and gain knowledge not to worry about your safety.”
There’s been an increase in raids across Georgia, including Atlanta and Athens, which have been reported to have a higher possibility of workplace and home raids. President Donald Trump put programs like The 287(g) Program to allow Georgia sheriff’s offices to work directly with ICE.
An article was written in Atlanta News First recording immigrants’ reactions regarding the recent raids.
“Reports of coordinated efforts to detain undocumented migrants in metro Atlanta sends shock waves through the immigrant community, leaving some people – even some legal immigrants – wondering what happens next,” said Brittany Ford, a reporter for Atlanta News First.
In response to ICE’s increased presence, multiple different communities have different reactions and perspectives on this. Latino communities are fearful and anxious about being separated from their family. As well as black immigrants face the same risk but often feel overlooked when immigration enforcement comes up.
“I think communities around us and even within the school are ignorant to the reality of what is occurring,” Gonzalez-Labra said.“ If you take a second to hear from multiple sides and personal accounts you can understand how much hurt this is doing towards a community that has in some way impacted your life even if you don’t realize it.”
If ICE were to enter classrooms, many have said they would have different reactions. Some may feel fear, while others may express noncompliance or unanimity. The atmosphere could be filled with a mixture of confusion, anxiety and anger.
Students may question their safety and wonder how their futures are affected by the government’s more profound action with ICE. Faculty who are sympathetic to immigrant rights may be forced to balance between teaching and protecting their students.
An understanding of ICE’s history is important to understand the new developments. The attacks on Sep. 11, 2001, prompted the Department of Homeland Security to protect the U.S. borders and enforce immigration laws.
Over the past few years, their responsibilities have increased, with significantly more methods of enforcement. ICE’s raids have faced legal challenges and opposition, especially regarding how detainees were treated and the ethics of the whole operation.
“There have been recent ICE raids in Georgia, particularly in the Atlanta area,” said Valeria Paladines, a freshman biology major. “I’ve heard that ICE is using deceptive tactics, like pretending to be conducting a different kind of operation, to trick immigrants into letting them into their homes.”
Georgia’s role is significant to the frequent ICE raids. The state has passed laws like “Georgia’s HB 87” known as the Georgia Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act. Which has been condemned for targeting undocumented workers and racial profiling.
With ICE’s actions in Georgia, citizens see this as a broader push to enforce stricter immigration laws, with many questioning the ethical and moral impact of these policies.