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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2009
Center for New Community Calls on President Obama and Janet Napolitano to Stop Raids
CHICAGO - The first workplace raid of the Obama Administration’s Presidency occurred Tuesday, February 24th. 28 workers were detained when ICE agents in riot gear stormed Yamato Engine Specialists manufacturing plant with buckets of handcuffs and ankle shackles. Center for New Community strongly disagrees with the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to continue worksite raids. Eric Ward, National Field Director for Center for New Community, said it was deeply disturbing to hear about the worksite raid. “There was the expectation that this administration would take a more humane approach to enforcement; that families wouldn’t be torn apart anymore. This sends the message to families and hard-working immigrants that nothing has changed.” The Bush Administration’s enforcement-only approach to immigration and routine work-site raids generated widespread abuse, civil rights violations, and emotional stress for parents and children separated from one another. President Obama promised to address immigration reform during his campaign, and now is the time for him to make good on that promise. Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Obama’s team have already begun a review of enforcement procedures, but this step forward is not enough. The Obama team needs to stop all workplace raids until a thorough examination of enforcement activities is performed. Continuing to conduct work-site raids only further damages a nation in financial crisis. Worksite raids are costly, ineffective, and tear at the fabric of communities already besieged by poor economic conditions. Addressing immigration reform will help American companies and workers get back on their feet. The Center for New Community is a national organization committed to building community, justice, and equality. The Center is grounded in many faith traditions, and builds community where the dignity and value of all humanity is manifest. Based in Chicago, the organization defends democracy, empowers communities, and promotes equality in its commitments to cultivate civic life and advance systemic change in partnership with local leaders, organizations, congregations, and other institutions. |
