News dropped last week that the Obama administration was planning a month-long “surge” of immigration raids targeting Central American mothers and children. The blowback was swift. Immigrant advocates and Democrats – including the presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders – came out against the raids, with Clinton saying she is “against large scale raids that tear families apart and sow fear in communities“; and advocates protested by disrupting an address by DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson. Meanwhile, a big immigration raid in Nevada targeted immigrants with criminal histories, a reminder that these operations are ongoing and not limited to Central American migrants.
Here’s a roundup of coverage from the past week.
U.S. plans new wave of immigrant deportation raids
U.S. immigration officials are planning a month-long series of raids in May and June to deport hundreds of Central American mothers and children found to have entered the country illegally. … [Reuters].
Clinton, Sanders reaffirm opposition to Obama immigration raids
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders reaffirmed their opposition to Department of Homeland Security raids on Central American families in the United States, further breaking with President Barack Obama’s administration on the issue. … [CNN]
White House defends deportations after Democratic complaints
The White House defended its deportation policy after complaints from Democratic presidential candidates and congressional leaders that a sweep targeting Central American illegal immigrants is inhumane. … [Reuters]
Immigrant Advocates Interrupt Top Obama Administration Official: ‘Stop The Raids’
About a dozen immigrant advocates disrupted DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson at a graduation ceremony over the weekend, protesting the large-scale immigration operation to deport some asylum-seeking Central American mothers and children. … [ThinkProgress]
Deporting parents negatively affects kids’ health
Research shows that children who grow up with family instability, economic strain and chronic stress suffer poorer health, lower educational achievement and increased poverty and hunger. … [The Hill]
Immigration officers arrest 87 in Las Vegas, Reno areas
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 87 foreign nationals arrested last week during a five-day operation focused on people with past convictions. … [Las Vegas Sun]