AILA: Massive Raid Adds to Migrant Fears, Endangers Due Process

CONTACTS:
George Tzamaras 202-507-7649 gtzamaras@aila.org	Belle Woods 202-507-7675 bwoods@aila.org

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security conducted what is reportedly the largest single-state worksite enforcement raid in U.S. history.

Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) responded, "Conducting massive raids on worksites has proven to be an inhumane, destructive and ineffective way to enforce immigration law. These 'shock and awe' tactics do nothing more than stoke fear and intimidation and are a waste of law enforcement resources that should be focused on protecting communities rather than tearing them apart. The ripple effect of these raids extends far beyond those who were arrested. Their children, their co-workers, their houses of worship, their neighbors, the businesses they support, and the entire community, have experienced a trauma that will last for decades.

"This raid was launched with no regard for the fundamental principles of due process that are the foundation of the American justice system. The administration descended on small, remote towns where legal assistance is almost non-existent, separating families with no plan or consideration for what would happen to the children, how people will find each other, or get the help they need. What our country requires is a pathway to legal status for those who have lived and work in communities around the nation for decades, raising families, and contributing to our shared prosperity. These raids don't get us closer to a real solution."

Cite as AILA Doc. No. 19080830.