SEIU’s Sáenz: Trump deployment of tactical agents to “sanctuary cities” is a dangerous escalation that will make those cities less safe

WASHINGTON, D.C.— SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement in response to the reports that the Trump Administration will deploy 100 CBP agents from military-style tactical units, to “sanctuary” cities:

“This is an escalation of the Trump Administration’s continuing attack on immigrants and communities of color, and a frontal assault on city law enforcement efforts to work with the communities they protect instead of against them.  These new SWAT-like heavily armed units will amount to an unwanted invading force in communities that have chosen a different -- and more effective -- approach to public safety than the one preferred by the President. 

“Policies that welcome immigrants make neighborhoods safer by helping local law enforcement agencies to build trust and needed cooperation with communities they serve. The record is clear that this approach works. Welcoming  jurisdictions  are safer than others. 

“These tactical units are not trained to enforce civil immigration law in cities. The presence of military-style units will instill fear and pose a danger to all residents of a community, not just immigrants.”