ACLU alleges racial profiling led to ICE raid

“„

In April 2010, two officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), based on their 29 years combined immigration-enforcement experience, suspected that the bus in question may be used for smuggling illegal aliens. Their initial inquiries immediately identified two illegal aliens. After further investigation and questioning, the ICE agents identified that 36 of the 42 passengers on the bus were in the United States illegally. Both ICE agents happen to be Hispanic themselves, and native Spanish speakers. No racial profiling was involved in detaining the bus or its passengers.

“„

Ultimately, 17 of the 36 were immediately released on their own recognizance on humanitarian grounds after they were issued notices to appear before a federal immigration judge. The remaining 19 passengers were detained and bonded out of ICE custody.

“„

Of the 36 illegal alien passengers on the bus, one had been previously deported; it’s a felony to re-enter the United States after being deported. In addition, one was a fugitive who already had already been ordered deported by a federal immigration judge; and three others had previous criminal convictions.

“„

ICE is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes efforts first on those dangerous criminal aliens who present the greatest risk to the security of our communities, not sweeps or raids to target undocumented immigrants indiscriminately. ICE agents cannot turn a blind eye to immigration enforcement issues that they observe, especially when they may involve a case of human smuggling.

“„

Since this case is pending litigation, no further information can be discussed at this time.