BOSTON — U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents intensified their indiscriminate campaign of terror and abuse this week across the South Coast.
ACLU of Massachusetts Executive Director Carol Rose issued the following statement:
“In New Bedford and Fall River, ICE has seized dozens of people in recent days, ripping apart families, disrupting schools and businesses, and deliberately creating a climate of fear. It’s reckless, dangerous, chaotic — and it does nothing to keep our communities safe. Quite the opposite. ICE’s appalling dragnet sweeps endanger public safety and undermine fundamental constitutional rights. The ACLU of Massachusetts will continue to work in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities to protect immigrant rights, defend due process, and hold ICE to account.”
For immediate needs:
Legal resources for people detained by ICE:
- MACI hotline: (508) 505-4588
- Legal Representation Fund: (617) 637-8195 (for detainees) or (617) 396-7143 (hotline for family and friends)
- Habeas Project: immigrationhabeasproject@gmail.com (for Massachusetts residents currently detained in New England)
Understand your rights during ICE actions: https://www.aclum.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-if-you-are-questioned-about-your-immigration-status/
If you witnessed ICE actions in New Bedford or are willing to share your or your family's experiences, we would like to hear from you. You may contact our Legal Resources line at 617-482-3170 to speak to a legal resources volunteer or visit www.aclum.org/seeking-legal-help-aclu/. All calls are confidential. Please note that when you contact our office, we are simply gathering information, not agreeing to provide legal advice or assistance.
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