For Immediate Release: December 14, 2017

Contact: Casey Reynolds, ACLU of Alaska, (907) 715-2537, creynolds@acluak.org

Anchorage, AK — The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska is today alerting the public to what appears to be the first Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mass detainee raid in Anchorage since the Trump Administration took office just under a year ago.

Based on credible reports the ACLU of Alaska has received, at least five young adults were taken into custody by ICE in a coordinated raid in Anchorage on Tuesday. The ACLU of Alaska can find no indication the five targeted by ICE were involved in any criminal activity and the information the ACLU of Alaska has suggests none were charged with a crime. This begs the question as to why finite law enforcement resources were used in this enforcement action. 

Officials from the Anchorage Police Department (APD) have confirmed to the ACLU of Alaska staff that, in keeping with promises to the public from Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, APD did not coordinate with ICE or participate in the raid.

“The ACLU of Alaska condemns Tuesday’s raid and ICE’s increased activity in Alaska,” said ACLU of Alaska Legal and Policy Director Tara Rich. “When ICE raids a home, it makes us less safe by spreading fear and instilling mistrust in our communities. We must continue fighting for an immigration system that is more fair and humane, including the passage of a clean DREAM Act.”

Regardless of citizenship or immigration status, all people in America have rights. Please review our Know Your Rights: What To Do If You’re Stopped By Police, Immigration Agents or The FBI materials.

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