Chicago, IL - This afternoon reports announced the Trump administration's intent to send Border Patrol tactical units from the southern border to sanctuary cities in order to support internal immigration enforcement operations. In response to this announcement, Organized Communities Against Deportations, an undocumented-led organization fighting against the criminalization of immigrant and Black and Brown communities, issued the following statement:

"This is very disturbing and a blatant threat to our communities. We would like to remind people to use deportation defense tools such as "Know Your Rights" materials and to reach out to community organizations to report ICE and Border Patrol activity in the area. We have been here before and we know this is another threat we must take seriously. We are working with the Illinois Coalition of Refugee and Immigrant Rights to follow up on reports that come into the Family Support Hotline. We encourage community members to help us spread useful information instead of fear.

While disturbing, this action from the federal administration is not surprising. During an election year, we are aware of the charged anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies this administration will engage in to secure another term in the White House. OCAD remains committed to continue monitoring ICE and Border Patrol activity in the city and ask the public to support deportation defense efforts."

Organized Communities Against Deportations and Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rightsmanage the Family Support Hotline at 1-855-435-7693.

Organized Communities Against Deportations ( OCAD ) is an undocumented-led group that fights deportations and criminalization of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities in Chicago and surrounding areas. Find out more at Article Link Here .

—From a press release

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