In San Francisco, arrests at ICE check-ins have resumed

"Hundreds of immigrants were arrested at check-ins between January 20th and October 15 of last year before they came to a halt at the end of December. Although these arrests have not resumed at as high a level as before, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is again starting to arrest immigrants at their appointments."

"Since President Trump took office in January, however, immigrants in San Francisco told Mission Local that the frequency has increased to sometimes every three months. Many immigrants are arrested and detained at those appointments."

"Those arrested at ICE check-ins and elsewhere both in Northern California and nationwide often have no criminal history. Many have lived in the United States for decades. Once in ICE custody, they are often pressured by immigration agents into giving up on their immigration cases and returning to their home countries."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has resumed arresting immigrants at required check-in appointments in San Francisco after a brief pause in late December. Hundreds of immigrants were arrested at these appointments between January and October before arrests temporarily halted. Since President Trump took office in January, check-in frequency has increased from once or twice yearly to sometimes every three months. Many arrested immigrants have no criminal history and have lived in the United States for decades. Once in ICE custody, immigrants are often pressured to abandon their legal cases and return to their home countries. A temporary slowdown in December arrests was likely linked to lawsuits challenging ICE detention practices and conditions.

Read at Mission Local