El Salvador, Guatemala Warn Citizens of US Deportation Operations as Government Begins Crackdown
Central American countries El Salvador and Guatemala are hyper aware of the U.S. government's rising deportation campaign. Authorities from both countries took to the web to reach immigrants in danger of being targeted, telling them to be cautious in the following weeks as the country cracks down on foreign families in the country illegally.
In an official statement on the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry via Fusion, citizens were advised to even be cautious of people knocking on their doors.
"Don't be fooled. Don't open the door to unknown people who say they are looking for someone else," the statement warned. "Immigration agents have to show an order signed by a judge to enter your house. If they don't have one, you're not obliged to open your door. You have rights that must be respected. If this is an administrative procedure by the U.S. government, immigration agents have the obligation to respect your fundamental rights and treat you and your family with respect, especially when children are involved."
El Salvador echoed its neighbor's concern in a series of tweets directed to expatriates in the U.S. who are also a target of the mass deportation orders.
"[U.S.] Immigration agents have to show a court order signed by a judge to enter your house," El Salvador's presidency wrote on Twitter via Fusion. "If they don't have one, you are not obliged to open the door."
Also included in the report is the call for citizens to reach out to their government: "The Salvadoran consular offices are standing by the help. Call the consulate in Atlanta for information."
According to a report from Los Angeles Times, over a hundred immigrants have already been detained during the weekend. In a statement by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, it was revealed that a total number of 121 people were taken in custody for deportation mostly from Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.
"This should come as no surprise," Johnson pointed out. "I have said publicly for months that individuals who constitute enforcement priorities, including families and unaccompanied children, will be removed."
While past federal efforts have primarily targeted adults at workplaces, the recent campaign has focused on families, especially those who have already been issued orders of removal or deportation by an immigration court.
Managing director of the New York-based group United We Dream Cristina Jimenez stressed the importance of being presented warrants before accommodating officials telling Los Angeles Times, "Folks should be asking for the immigration agents to show them this paper, to pass it under the door. We've also advised people to remain silent because you have the right."
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