ICE raid rumors in Georgia: Are police departments partnering with federal officials to deport migrants?
ICE raid rumors in Georgia swirl
Police in at least two metro-Atlanta cities want to shut down rumors. Forest Park and Clayton County police say someone on social media falsely claims they’re working with federal immigration officials to conduct immigration-status checks. The departments of both cities say that is not true.
ATLANTA - A rumor is spreading online that police departments like Forest Park are partnering with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to check the immigration status of people who could be migrants or undocumented.
The rumors spread as federal agents detained workers in New Jersey and the Trump administration said, "deportation flights have begun."
Forest Park's population is about one-third Hispanic or Latino. Some individuals in the area are without documentation.
Trump's migrant deportation flights begin
It's been just days since President Donald Trump took office. But some of his immigration plans have already taken effect across the country. Migrant deportation flights are underway.
ICE deportation rumors on social media
What they're saying:
The farmers’ market in Forest Park can get packed, but on Friday it was a ghost town. A vendor, who did not want to be identified, says many customers are worried. "It was full of people, now there ain’t none, deserted. People are afraid. They’re still afraid to come over here."
"I heard it on Instagram, Facebook, social media," the anonymous vendor said.
Santiago Marquez, the CEO of the Latin American Association, says that, so far, none of the rumors have shown any signs of merit. "There were rumors that there were roadblocks here on Buford Highway," Marquez said. "We haven’t seen anything. We haven’t heard anything."
Clayton County, Forest Park police respond to ICE raid rumors
The other side:
Forest Park Police Chief Brandon Criss says the rumor that ICE is conducting operations in his city is false.
"The Forest Park Police Department did not have any have knowledge of that type of enforcement if it was going on, nor were we participating with ice at that point in time," Criss said. "We want to dispel that rumor."
Forest Park and Clayton County are sharing this post on Facebook:
"It has come to our attention that there is a rumor suggesting that the Clayton County Police Department has partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"We want to clarify that this is completely false. The Clayton County Police Department has NOT engaged in any activity with ICE, nor have we been notified of any ICE operations taking place within Clayton County.
"Additionally, we want to assure our community that we are not targeting Hispanic citizens or individuals commuting through Clayton County.
"If anyone is approached and asked to provide immigration documentation by someone claiming to be a Federal Agent or Police Officer, please dial 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY.
"The Clayton County Police Department values the strong relationships we have built with our community and partner agencies, and we are committed to continuing to foster trust and transparency."
Will there be ICE raids?
What's next:
This situation is fluid. Federal officials, in theory, could begin operations here. The chief says his department would work with law-enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels. He says it would be in a backup role if it were to come to that, but it has not for now.
The Source: FOX 5's Christopher King spoke with Forest Park Police Chief Brandon Criss, Latin American Association CEO Santiago Marquez, and people on the street about rumors of an ICE raid in the area. A statement posted to Facebook by the Clayton County Police Department was also used. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.