Barbara Lee Responds to ICE Raids Controversy

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) released the following statement in response to the Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) action that was conducted in Berkeley and Oakland on Tuesday:

"I am deeply troubled and concerned about the tactics employed by ICE. Conducting an operation of this nature in Oakland is a direct violation of the spirit of the city's sanctuary resolution.

"Although ICE officials assured my district office that they did not physically enter public school property, the presence of the ICE van near or parked in front of the Esperanza Academy and Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy is of grave concern to me.

"In an effort to address the controversial tactics that have been used by ICE, my district office has been in contact with them to convey my concerns.  I will be working with my colleagues to oppose the use of this troubling approach, and I am personally committed to reviewing any ICE policies that may create a culture of fear and intimidation, especially near a school or place of worship.

 "To conduct such an operation near or around a public school campus is a violation of the sanctity of the education process, and is intentionally meant to intimidate those who live in the community.  I do not support these intimidation policies and I am planning a district outreach event in the future to hear directly from my constituents about their experiences with agency officials."

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Ricci Graham

Deputy District Director

Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee

9th Congressional District

1301 Clay Street, Suite 1000-N

Oakland, CA 94612

510-763-0370

Ricci.Graham@mail.house.gov

http://lee.house.gov