Authorities prepare for immigration operation in Los Angeles

• ICE Prepares Immigration Operation in February
• Focus on Immigrants Without Legal Status
• Tensions Rise in Sanctuary Cities

A leaked report accessed by the Los Angeles Times reveals that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing a «large-scale» immigration operation in Los Angeles at the end of February.

This city is considered a stronghold of protection for undocumented immigrants, raising concerns among activists, affected communities, and migrant rights defenders.

According to the internal government document reviewed by the newspaper, the actions would be directed against individuals without legal status and those with pending deportation orders.

This could be the first operation of its kind in the city since Donald Trump took office on January 20.

ICE Prepares Immigration Operation

The Trump administration has adopted an aggressive stance on illegal immigration, causing great unease in migrant communities across the country.

The announcement comes amid a wave of mass deportations and an increase in measures against sanctuary cities, which have been defended by local authorities and civil organizations.

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They argue that these policies enhance safety by allowing immigrants to cooperate with the police without fear of retaliation.

However, the federal government has criticized these initiatives, claiming they hinder the enforcement of immigration laws.

Los Angeles Sanctuary City

Sanctuary cities have been the target of constant attacks by the Trump administration, which seeks to cut federal funds to localities that refuse to collaborate with immigration authorities.

In this context, Los Angeles has become a symbol of resistance and defense of immigrants’ rights, supported by activists and local politicians.

It is noteworthy that, according to U.S. law, living in the country without documents is not a criminal offense, but a civil infraction.

Moreover, studies from Stanford University have shown that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes compared to U.S.-born citizens.

This contradicts the narrative of certain sectors that associate undocumented immigration with an increase in crime, according to EFE.

This potential operation generates uncertainty and tension in the immigrant community, which fears an intensification of raids in the coming weeks.

Various organizations have called on the immigrant population to be aware of their rights and be prepared for any action by ICE.

Meanwhile, human rights advocacy groups continue to denounce what they consider to be unjustified persecution of people who are simply seeking a better life in the U.S.

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