Democrat leaders in the California Legislature have demanded clarification of the immigration enforcement policy of the federal government. It follows this month’s round-ups of a large number of undocumented immigrants, sparking new fears of an increase in the immigration raids likely under the Trump administration.
On Monday, a Freedom of Information Act request was sent by Assembly Speaker, Anthony Rendon, and Senate President Pro Tem, Kevin de Leon to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They requested documents outlining policies in the California field office and national ICE on sensitive areas, such as churches, hospitals, and schools. They also requested information about the treatment of people registered under the deferred action program and access to legal counsel, as well as other visitors for detainees.
Rendon and de Leon wrote in the request that the lives and safety of thousands of immigrants and citizens of California depend on knowledge of this information. They added that fear of immigration enforcement activity prevents many Californians from using services such as education, law enforcement, and medical help, potentially risking their own and their children’s well-being.
Both the leaders of the Legislature represent areas of Los Angeles County, targeted earlier this month by a five-day ICE operation, resulting in the arrest of over 160 people. The two are also asking for verification on claims that action had been planned before the inauguration of President Donald Trump and for the number of those arrested who have since been deported.