Tag: Immigration And Custom Enforcement

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 29, former CNN News Anchor, and host of the YouTube series, The Don Lemon Show was covering the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles when he was arrested and taken into custody by federal agents. He spent the night in jail pending his first court appearance on January 30. Reports indicate that on January 18, Lemon followed three Anti-ICE protesters into Cities Church in St. Paul, MN interrupting a two-hour church service. The protesters were targeting pastor, David Easterwood, over his work outside of the Church for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Three protesters: Nekima Levy Armstrong of Minneapolis, MN, Chauntyll Allen, of Minneapolis, MN, and former Army and Iraqi war veteran, William Kelly, aka, “DaWokeFarmer” on Tik Tok were arrested that day and booked into Sherburne County Jail. “I surrendered myself peacefully, deliberately, and with intention. I demanded dignity, humanity, and respect, not just for myself, but for every person who has ever been brutalized, silenced, or disappeared by unchecked government power. We stood in protest because families are being torn apart, communities terrorized, and constitutional rights trampled. And we will not be intimidated into silence,” said Levy Armstrong Lemon indicated that he was there “As an independent journalist, not as a protester.” Multiple reports indicate that there were members of the congregation that were not permitted to go get their children, and there were children who were scared and wanted their parents and were unable to get to them. Don did not intervene on behalf of those who were there to worship, as his crew filmed the protesters. On January 20, Monique Mullers, co-founder of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and other Twin Cities community activists gathered that the Hennepin County Government Center to demand that Pastor Easterwood step down as Pastor of Cities Church due to his full-time employment with ICE. Cities Church Pastor Jonathan Parnell gave thanks for the help of federal agents on his X social media page. “We are grateful that the Department of Justice acted swiftly to protect Cities Church so we can continue to faithfully live out the church’s mission to worship Jesus and make him known.” An additional statement was made by North Legal attorneys Renee Carlson and Doug Wardlaw. “The freedom to worship God without fear of violence and intimidation is a fundamental right that defines who we are as Americans. True North Legal and Cities Church are grateful that the Department of Justice is committed to upholding that freedom and is holding the agitators who invaded the church, accountable.” On January 23, a Minneapolis Federal Judge freed the three protestors due to indicating that the arresting officers didn’t meet Minnesota’s burden of proof needed to warrant detention.   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On June 7, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gave an update on the June 6, ICE Raids in LA County.  ICE agents were executing search warrants in the area, arresting criminal illegal aliens, and those who were harboring them.

Initial reports indicated that there was a large police presence in the area.  Statements made by LAPD Police Chief Jim McDonald  stated that LAPD officers “would not be cooperating with ICE.” The presence of the local police was required to help maintain peace until the U.S. military arrived.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director, Todd Lyons issued the following statement on the ICE website.

“Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building. It took over two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond, despite being called multiple times. The brave men and women of ICE were in Los Angeles arresting criminal illegal aliens including gang members, drug traffickers, and those with a history of assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling.”

On June 7, an Anti-ICE – Anti-Homeland Security protest broke out in Paramount, California causing road closures by local police. The situation escalated with protestors throwing everything from fireworks to cinder blocks at local law enforcement. Protesters lit a car on fire in the street. 

President Trump deployed 2,000 troops, (approximately 300 soldiers) of the California National Guard to assist with crowd control.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the use of the military.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued the following remarks:

“This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles. As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place.

These tactics sow fear in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My office is in close coordination with immigration rights organizations. We will not stand for this.”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller responded to Mayor Bass:

“You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme, and federal law will be enforced.”

Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, Tom Homan reminded the public that harboring a person who is in the country illegally, is classified as “Felony.”  Homan told NBC that he would not rule out arrest if Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass interfered with the immigration raids.

President Trump issued a Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, and Secretary of Homeland Security; “Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions.” The full text of the President’s Memorandum may only be viewed on the White House webpage.

Reports indicate that at least 118 people were arrested and detained between June 6-7th. More reports and updates to follow.