"These networks are able to connect individuals to local attorneys that could help either represent them, or assist their families and also, they are able to send out legal observers. And what's really important about these legal observers is they're trained to either verify ICE presence, whether it's actually ICE or not, first of all. And then if it is ICE presence, they are actually trained to record, to record the apprehension, to make sure that there are no violations of constitutional rights. And if there are violations of constitutional rights by these agencies, then it's recorded,"
"There's already a lot of fear and panic and anxiety, and when people are responding to these rapid changes in a way where they're responding to inaccurate information, it's just hurtful,"
"My friend in the morning, I see 4 cars for ICE, but I don't know if it's true or not,"
"Nobody comes on the street, nobody you know, is very bad for everybody."
Rumors of federal agent deployments created widespread fear among immigrants across the Bay Area. Neighbors and friends are flagging suspicious vehicles and limiting street activity, increasing anxiety in communities. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee confirmed that federal agent operations were canceled for the entire Bay Area. Local nonprofits report rumors continue to spread and that fear and panic lead to responses based on inaccurate information. Nonprofits and volunteers maintain 24/7 county hotlines to report potential federal agent activity and to connect individuals to local attorneys. Legal observers are trained to verify ICE presence, record apprehensions, and document any constitutional-rights violations. The Migration Policy Institute estimates 42,000 undocumented immigrants live in San Francisco.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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