U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) has commenced targeted enforcement actions across the U.S. in the past couple of weeks. Called “Operation Cross Check”, these enforcement actions focus primarily on:
– Fugitives: individuals with outstanding removal orders;
– Deportees: individuals who have re-entered the U.S. after having been deported; and
– Criminal aliens: individuals with a criminal conviction of any kind.
As stated, the operation is targeted at individuals with criminal convictions, but it seems that any other individual identified as part of this enforcement may also be detained if they fall within the broad priorities outlined in the President’s recent Executive Order, which covered those undocumented individuals “committing acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense” (such as driving without a license and jaywalking), engaging in fraud or willful misrepresentation, abusing public benefits, or otherwise posing a ‘risk to public safety or national security’.” Indeed, the President’s Executive Order of January 25, 2017 sets the priorities for deportation very broadly and practically encompasses almost any person who is in the U.S. undocumented.
There have been several reports of heightened enforcement activities in Los Angeles and across other major U.S. cities in recent weeks. Today, the Associated Press also reported that the Department of Homeland Security is seeking to mobilize up to 100,000 National Guard troops across 11 states for further enforcement action, although this report is yet to be confirmed by the White House and, if true, this action would likely be met with considerable opposition by those states.
Dayzad Law will keep monitoring developments in this evolving U.S. immigration landscape and will continue to alert our clients and broader immigrant community accordingly.