The wave of immigration into the United States, particularly from Central American countries, has come to a head: after a national enforcement action to target minors was issued, 121 Central American adults and children were tracked down and rounded up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents the first weekend of January 2016, made ready to be shipped back to their home countries.
A Tragic Fate for Many
One of the families who has been hunted down and seized by ICE is Maria Hernandez, age 33, and her two sons. The raid happened early Saturday morning, shocking the family. Hernandez and her two sons, ages six and nine, were immediately taken into ICE Custody, and told that they would be sent back to their country of origin, El Salvador, this week. In tears, Ms. Hernandez told reports for VICE NEWS that the deportation is the “worst thing that could happen,” and that “We all have threats on our lives.” El Salvador is currently regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world in terms of gang violence. For many who have come to America from Central American countries, it has been to escape threats of violence – going back could be dangerous.
Protecting National Security
Jeh Johnson, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has stated—quoted by The Washington Post — that the raids are a response to a “nationwide operation to deport a new wave of illegal immigrants,” and that the borders are not open to illegal immigrants. “If you come here illegally, we will send you back consistent with our laws and values,” said Johnson.
A Large Scale Effort to Deport Families
Despite Obama’s seemingly immigrant-friendly stance, the raids were a response to an order handed down from the President’s administration intended to crack down on immigrants who had entered the country illegally since the start of 2015. ICE has not released a comment on how many children were apprehended, where they were apprehended, or the countries to which they will be deported.
Seek the Services of an Immigration Attorney
Facing deportation is one the scariest things your family may have to deal with. If there is a deportation order against you or a loved one, contact Goldstein Immigration Lawyers Serving Boston and Los Angeles, Joshua L. Goldstein will advocate for your family’s rights, and do everything he can to get a deportation stay. Contact our law offices now to schedule your case consultation.
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