Purported ICE surge to Bay Area is graver worry for S.F. than National Guard

"Numerous city officials told Mission Local the arrival of immigration agents is more serious and potentially destructive than the threatened incursion of armed National Guard troops. ICE and CBP can deploy more rapidly and via a more streamlined procedure, municipalities have fewer tools with which to push back - and federal law-enforcement can engage in more aggressive and damaging behaviors than National Guardsmen once within cities."

"He said on Tuesday that he has set up a task force that includes representatives from the City Attorney's office to coordinate a response to federal law enforcement. "We've been constantly monitoring the possibility of federal intervention since the day I took office, so that we can be prepared to respond," Lurie said. "My top priority is keeping San Francisco safe.""

"The pending influx of more than 100 agents from ICE, Border Patrols and other federal agencies imminently arriving at Alameda's Coast Guard base was reported today by the San Francisco Chronicle. The deployment of National Guard troops is permissible only via circumscribed procedures that can be contested in court. San Francisco and California officials have vowed to legally fight the ordering of any National Guard troops to the city."

Reports indicate more than 100 ICE, Border Patrol, and other federal agents may arrive in the Bay Area imminently, staging at Alameda's Coast Guard base. City officials regard the arrival of immigration agents as more serious and potentially more destructive than threatened National Guard incursions because ICE and CBP can mobilize rapidly, face fewer municipal legal constraints, and possess broader authority to arrest or detain once operating in cities. Mayor Daniel Lurie has created a task force including City Attorney representatives to coordinate a response and has prioritized public safety. State and city leaders can contest National Guard deployments in court, but rapid federal law-enforcement deployments present fewer legal obstacles.

Read at Mission Local