Written by: Aubree Amback / Opinion editor
Over this past month, more and more agents that are part of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements have been seen in Indianapolis. They have not been easy to spot, hiding in plain sight with unmarked vehicles with no license plates.
According to the Deportation Data Project, 465 immigrants have been arrested by ICE in January. That number has increased to around 750 this July.
Many people have reported seeing neighbors getting abducted on the street or out of their house by masked police officers.
“These practices have raised profound concerns not only about the growing risk of abuse of unchecked, masking ICE agents threatening constitutional rights and due process, but also about local law enforcement overstepping their roles and misusing local resources to do ICE’s bidding,” the American Civil Liberties Union Indiana said.
Schools in Indianapolis with a larger number of immigrant students have seen a drop in their attendance this month.
It’s not just immigrants skipping school, it’s also those who are scared of being arrested regardless of citizenship.
All of this is a part of an operation called “Operation Safe Community – Indiana.” ICE did not release knowledge of any arrests until Sept. 16, two weeks after the operation had occurred.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hoggsett claims he had no prior knowledge of this errand.
Although most arrests were made in Indianapolis, there were many throughout the state.
ICE assistant director Patricia Hyde confirmed the arrests were made to immigrants with a criminal history.
“This operation underscores the fact that when law enforcement agencies cooperate, the American people are safer. We thank our state and local partners for their support and continued commitment to protecting communities across Indiana and the nation.” Hyde said.
ICE confirmed that members from transnational gangs have also been arrested in this process.
ICE’s press release described their actions of arresting immigrant criminals as “keeping with President Trump’s promise to make America safe again.”
Although the statistics at ICE’s own agency say that only 30% of those contained were actually convicted criminals.
According to FWS.us, an estimated 14% of the population of Indianapolis are immigrants. That number is already decreasing drastically.
