Title
Resolution to Oppose Increased Immigration Enforcement and Support Immigrant Families, 1-11-12
Body
Whereas, In the 2011 fiscal year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported nearly 400,000 undocumented immigrants, the highest total on record, as part of its “Secure Communities” program and targeted, small-scale raids; sixty-percent of deportations between October 2008 and February 2011 were of individuals with no criminal background;
Whereas, ICE’s goal is to continue to deport 400,000 undocumented immigrants annually; Detroit-based Fugitive Operations teams (ICE) and Border Patrol teams are required to help meet this performance goal. Ann Arbor is within 100 miles of the US/Canada border, and is therefore subject to increased immigration enforcement;
Whereas, Immigration raids and deportations violate the human rights of individuals to live free of fear and harassment, and to remain united with their families or loved ones. Hundreds of local families - who shop in our stores, live in our neighborhoods, and whose American-born children attend our schools - are affected by these actions, but so is every Ann Arbor resident. Hundreds of children have been separated from parents and other supporting relatives in the Washtenaw County area in the past four years;
Whereas, In April 2009, Secretary Napolitano of Home Land Security asserted that just crossing the border is a civil offense, not a criminal offense; and in June 2011, ICE Director, John Morton, issued a “prosecutorial discretion memorandum,” which states that ICE, Home Land Security Investigation, and Enforcement and Removal Operation can release from detention and stop the deportation of “low priority cases:” immigrants who have not committed a “serious criminal offense” and who have long-standing ties to the United States; such as minors, parents, pregnant or nursing mothers, members of the armed services, and disabled individuals. In a speech in August of 2011, President Obama con...
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