Barbara Lee Responds to Rumors of Immigration Raids in Oakland
(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today in response to rumors that immigration raids were taking place in Oakland:
“My office in Oakland has received reports that individuals in unmarked vans have been traveling throughout our community and seizing individuals. My staff has spoken with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and they have stated that there are currently no deportation operations ongoing in our community.
“My staff has learned from the local churches, community organizations, and elected officials that there have not been any confirmed sightings or apprehensions of individuals in our community.
“However, I am concerned about individuals perpetrating a hoax or impersonating immigration agents and placing our community members in danger.
“Now is not the time to create an atmosphere of fear or repression in order to silence individuals who wish to exercise their right of freedom of speech and assembly at the upcoming rallies being held across the nation on May 1st.
“My office will continue to monitor this situation, and if community members have questions about their rights or about suspicious activity in the community, I encourage them to call us at (510) 763-0370.”
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