US Cities Deploy Creative Tactics to Counter Federal Immigration Raids
Cities across the United States are at the forefront of developing novel and strategic approaches to safeguard their residents from federal immigration enforcement, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents intensify operations in urban centers like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles. From establishing ICE-free zones to targeting contracts that support ICE activities, local officials and communities are employing a range of creative tactics to resist and mitigate the impact of raids.
Establishing ICE-Free Zones for Public Safety
Several cities, counties, and states are creating designated ICE-free zones by restricting immigration agents' access to government-owned and public spaces. This initiative aims to ensure that residents can visit critical locations such as hospitals, courthouses, and public parks without fear of encountering ICE. While these restrictions cannot completely bar agents from operating on government property, they provide a legal framework for officials to potentially sue agents who violate these boundaries.
This strategy echoes the sanctuary city movement of the 1980s, which sought to protect migrants and refugees by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. In recent months, cities like Oakland, San Jose, and Richmond in California, along with Los Angeles County, Washtenaw County in Michigan, Providence, Rhode Island, New York City, and New Jersey, have implemented similar measures. For instance, in October last year, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order to create an ICE-free zone during the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Midway Blitz.
Enhancing Accountability Through Legal Actions
In response to incidents of misconduct, cities are proposing new methods to facilitate lawsuits against ICE agents. After the shooting deaths of Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, accountability has been a significant challenge, with some claiming ICE agents have absolute immunity. To address this, Chicago's mayor has directed city police to document federal immigration agents, gathering evidence that could be used in prosecutions for criminal misconduct.
The case of Marimar Martinez, a teacher shot five times by ICE agents in Chicago, highlights the importance of such evidence. Body camera footage contradicted the agents' claims, leading to dropped charges and a successful federal lawsuit. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner has formed the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach (Fafo), a coalition of prosecutors from cities like Minneapolis, Austin, Dallas, Arlington, and Pima County, to share strategies for prosecuting federal agents under state laws.
Blocking ICE's Expansion of Detention Facilities
As part of efforts to support mass deportations, ICE has attempted to purchase warehouses across the US for conversion into detention centers, facing intense pushback from communities and local officials. In Ashland, Virginia, over 100 protesters successfully lobbied against a Department of Homeland Security offer to buy a warehouse, leading the billionaire Canadian owner to reject the deal. Similarly, in Oklahoma City, residents packed a city council meeting to oppose a potential sale, with Republican Mayor David Holt negotiating with facility owners to prevent the transaction.
In Durant, Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation issued an ordinance banning the sale of a distribution center near tribal lands to the DHS. Kansas City, Missouri, saw its port authority cut ties with a local company to discourage warehouse sales, and the city council passed a moratorium on new detention centers. These actions demonstrate a coordinated effort to thwart ICE's expansion plans.
Targeting Contracts and Resources
Organizers have focused on identifying and disrupting local contracts that support ICE operations. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has been a frequent target due to its partnership with ICE. In Los Angeles, a congregation of nuns canceled their car rentals from Enterprise after learning agents used the service, and in Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias revoked an Enterprise license plate after reports of illegal plate swapping by ICE agents.
Local officials are also addressing contracts for ICE office spaces and parking. In Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, County Executive Josh Siegel canceled a lease on an ICE office in Allentown, citing over $115,000 in unpaid rent and criticizing the DHS's reputation. In New York City, elected officials are urging a park trust to cancel a contract allowing ICE agents to park in a Manhattan garage. Philadelphia is advancing ICE Out legislation to prohibit city contracts with the DHS and restrict agent access to city-owned spaces.
In Minneapolis, the city council is withholding liquor license renewals from hotels that house ICE agents, adding another layer to the multifaceted resistance. As Aniqa Raihan of the No ICE Philly coalition stated, bold and comprehensive actions are essential to keep ICE out of communities, requiring creativity and bravery from all involved.
