Raids lead to civil and human rights violations. Raids divide families. Most undocumented immigrants have family members in the United States, many of whom have legal status and who have petitions for legal status in process for their undocumented family members. As a result of new restrictions barring admission to the United States for three years, ten years, or life for those who have been undocumented in the United States for a certain length of time, family separation resulting from immigration raids can be long-term or even permanent. Numerous immigration raids have left children with no one to care for them, have denied families of their sole income earners, or have disrupted pending applications for legal status.
Raids threaten community health and economic viability.
This type of enforcement activity threatens the public health and economic viability of communities by scaring clients away from essential services and local businesses. Police and INS collaboration jeopardizes community relations with local law enforcement. Joint INS and police operations deter reporting by immigrant victims or witnesses of crimes due to a fear of deportation, making all communities more vulnerable. Raids increase labor and tenant exploitation. Immigration raids allow unscrupulous employers and landlords to intimidate immigrants by threatening to call the INS if workers or tenants demand better wages or improved working or living conditions.