ICE Operations in Atlanta Continue Amid Criticism from Latino Rights Organizations

In recent days, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified arrest operations in Georgia, particularly in the Atlanta area. These actions have heightened anxiety within the Latino community, with advocates expressing deep concerns.

Jerry Gonzalez, CEO of the GALEO Impact Fund, a Latino advocacy organization in Georgia, has reported ongoing ICE operations beyond metro Atlanta. He emphasized the widespread apprehension these actions have caused, stating, “There’s a lot of concern and anxiety in our community.” Gonzalez believes that the intent behind these operations is to instill fear, remarking, “That’s part of the intent of the [Trump] administration, is to, unfortunately, spread fear and terrorize our community.”

The White House has publicly identified individuals apprehended during these raids. One such individual, Fernando Hernandez Martinez from Mexico, was arrested in Atlanta on January 27. He had prior convictions for child molestation and was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, two Venezuelan nationals, identified as members of the Tren de Aragua crime organization, were detained by ICE agents in Atlanta on January 26. They have been referred to Enforcement and Removal Operations for deportation proceedings.

Gonzalez has raised concerns about the scope of these arrests, noting that some detainees lack criminal histories. He emphasized the distinction between civil and criminal violations, stating, “Being in the country is not a criminal violation. It is a civil violation – and there is a distinction in front of the law.”

The Biden administration has defended the ICE operations, aligning them with its immigration enforcement agenda. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented, “I know the last administration didn’t see it that way, so it’s a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal, but that’s exactly what they are.”

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has not provided specific details regarding the number of individuals arrested in Georgia. However, the Atlanta Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed their involvement in supporting ICE’s recent arrest efforts. Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, stated, “The DEA, along with our Department of Justice partners, is assisting DHS and other federal law enforcement partners with their immigration enforcement efforts.” He highlighted the role of Mexican drug cartels in utilizing illegal immigrants for operations within the U.S., leading to the distribution of dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl.

In response to these developments, Gonzalez is urging local leaders to refrain from assisting with ICE operations. He called upon employers, elected officials, and public safety officers to take steps to protect communities from what he describes as “Draconian, fear-based mongering.”

DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos indicated that the Department of Homeland Security has not sought assistance from her department for ICE arrests. She affirmed that her department will cooperate as legally required, similar to any federal law enforcement initiative.

Looking ahead, a Latino Day at the State Capitol is scheduled for February 5. Gonzalez anticipates that local advocates will use this event to appeal to state lawmakers in light of the recent ICE operations.

These intensified ICE activities are part of a broader national effort to enforce U.S. immigration laws. Recent reports indicate that President Trump has instructed ICE to increase deportation raids, setting a new goal of 1,500 arrests per day. This directive comes amid the administration’s dissatisfaction with initial results of its mass deportation plan. On a recent Sunday, ICE reported 956 arrests, with major operations in cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, and Los Angeles. This operation marks the highest daily total of arrests under Trump’s administration. ICE field offices have been given a quota of 75 arrests per day, with managers held accountable for any shortfalls.

In addition to the arrests in Atlanta, federal agents conducted a significant operation in Denver, rounding up 50 members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang at a makeshift nightclub. This raid is part of the broader crackdown targeting illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. The operation led to the seizure of cash, weapons, and drugs, including the potent narcotic pink cocaine. Nationwide, similar ICE raids have resulted in over 600 arrests, including individuals convicted of serious crimes such as child rape, murder, and suspected terrorism. These actions reflect the administration’s efforts to enhance public safety by removing potentially dangerous individuals from communities across the U.S.

On President Trump’s first full day in office, ICE conducted a significant operation resulting in the arrest of 308 illegal migrants across several sanctuary cities, including Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Miami. Among those detained were individuals convicted of serious crimes such as attempted murder and child molestation. This large-scale effort marks the beginning of a renewed campaign to deport 700,000 illegal migrants with criminal records. High-profile arrests included a Haitian gang member, a Venezuelan national serving time for attempted murder, and a Guatemalan repeat DUI offender. President Trump is also taking additional measures to strengthen border security, including deploying 10,000 troops to the southern border to prevent illegal crossings. This initiative aligns with Trump’s promises for rigorous enforcement of immigration laws and a significant crackdown on illegal immigration.

The GALEO Impact Fund, established in 2019, aims to expand and influence Latino political power in Georgia. The organization seeks to elect and hold accountable policymakers who align with progressive values. Their vision is for Georgia to be a state where the Latino voice is sought after, and Latino policymakers have equitable representation. The GALEO Impact Fund emphasizes grassroots advocacy, diversity, and responsiveness to the needs of the Latino community.

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