Washington, DC – Today, following U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Canal District of San Rafael, Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) spoke with senior ICE officials to express her concerns about the raids. Two days ago, Woolsey chaired a hearing in the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee on how the March 2007 ICE raids in San Rafael and subsequent workplace raids have impacted children and local communities.  Witnesses, including a principal from an elementary school in San Rafael, testified at the hearing about previous ICE raids’ effects on the schools, students, and their parents. Sadly, this same San Rafael school was impacted in today’s raid.

“Today’s ICE raids conducted in the Canal District sent shock waves throughout our streets, schools, and neighborhoods, both because of how the raids were conducted and the chilling effect they had on our community,” said Woolsey. “These raids have resulted in widespread anxiety and fear, particularly among children.”

“Some children reportedly witnessed parents being taken away, and local schools reported extraordinarily high rates of absenteeism.  Three of the Canal District schools canceled their Open Houses planned for tonight out of fear for the safety of parents and students in the community.

“Members of our community have a right to know what has happened in their homes and neighborhoods. On the federal level, I continue to be in close contact with senior ICE officials to find out how members of our community can get more information; how the agency worked with the school, child service agencies, and other members of the community before and during the raids; and whether detainees have received the medical care they need.

“It’s clear that ICE humanitarian voluntary guidelines for conducting workplace raids must apply to all ICE raids, because, without them, the raids will continue to have a devastating and traumatic impact on our communities and our children. Perhaps these guidelines need to be mandatory”

“People looking for more information can contact my San Rafael District office at (415) 507-9554.