Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf warned Saturday night that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could be conducting an operation in the Bay Area in the next day or so.
Federal officials have said in the past that California and the Bay Area could be an enforcement target, due in part to the sanctuary policies
adopted by many local cities, which have pledged not to cooperate with immigration authorities in many of their actions.
Schaaf said in a news release her office put out shortly before 8 p.m. that she learned "from multiple credible sources," that the federal operation was planned, "starting as soon as within the next 24 hours."
Few details about any raids were included in the release and Schaaf said she didn't know where they might take place.
The purpose of the announcement, she said, was not to panic residents who could be in danger of being detained and deported, but to warn and protect them.
And this is the announcement the mayor put out:
"Earlier today, I learned from multiple credible sources that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to conduct an operation
in the Bay Area, including Oakland, starting as soon as within the next 24 hours. As Mayor of Oakland, I am sharing this information publicly not to panic our residents but to protect them.
"My priority is for the well-being and safety of all residents — particularly our most vulnerable — and I know that Oakland is safer when we share information, encourage community awareness, and care for our neighbors.
"In Oakland, OUSD public schools have strict protocols in place to protect our students and families. Oakland police officers are prohibited from participating in ICE activities.
"Additionally, California state law prohibits business owners from assisting ICE agents in immigration enforcement and bars federal agents from accessing employee-only areas.
"I have reached out to local leaders and partners in our immigrant communities to share this information. Our shared message is clear: We want residents to prepare, not panic.
We understand ICE has used activity rumors in the past as a tactic to create fear; our intent is for our community to go about their daily lives without fear, but resiliency and awareness.
"I am not aware of any further details of the ICE operation, such as precise locations.
I know that Oakland is a city of law-abiding immigrants and families who deserve to live free from the constant threat of arrest and deportation.
"I believe it is my duty and moral obligation as Mayor to give those families fair warning when that threat appears imminent."
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