News Summary
Irvine City Councilmember Kathleen Treseder has warned undocumented residents about impending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout the city, including Orchard Hills. The alert was based on communications from the city manager regarding ICE’s plans to operate in eight to ten locations. Treseder encouraged residents to remain home and provided tips for witnessing potential raids. Amidst rising anxiety, the Irvine City Council activated its Emergency Operations Center to support public safety, reflecting widespread community concern over ICE’s activities and the accompanying protests.
Irvine – On June 12, Irvine City Councilmember Kathleen Treseder alerted undocumented residents about anticipated operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in various locations across the city. Treseder communicated this information through social media, indicating that ICE would be present in eight to ten locations, with a specific mention of Orchard Hills. She advised individuals concerned about their immigration status to remain home and provided tips for witnessing potential ICE raids.
The warning was based on information shared with Treseder by Irvine City Manager Oliver Chi, who had been notified by immigration officials about ICE’s plans. Although the Irvine Police Department (IPD) was informed by federal authorities regarding ICE operations, they did not receive specific locations where the enforcement actions would take place. IPD spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp expressed that he did not believe ICE operations would involve random arrests, as efforts would be directed towards known criminal offenders.
Reports indicated that ICE agents were active not only in Irvine but also in nearby Anaheim, where at least one arrest was documented by the Orange County Rapid Response Network. The presence of ICE agents in Southern California has prompted widespread protests, particularly in Anaheim and Los Angeles, against the enforcement tactics employed by the agency.
In Anaheim, around 200 demonstrators gathered, expressing their discontent and provoking chaos in some instances. Protesters climbed street poles and ignited fireworks as they voiced their opposition to ICE’s actions. In a statement, the city of Anaheim clarified that its police department is not involved in federal immigration enforcement.
In response to the rising anxiety among local residents due to the situation, Treseder urged community members to remain vigilant and supportive of each other. The city of Irvine launched a dedicated webpage to provide updates and legal resources useful for those affected by ICE operations. Mayor Larry Agran reaffirmed Irvine’s dedication to inclusion and the safety of all its residents, irrespective of their immigration status.
As a precautionary measure given the increased community anxiety, the Irvine City Council activated its Emergency Operations Center at Level 1 in support of public safety. Many community members articulated feelings of fear and anxiety stemming from the potential for ICE presence, with reports indicating that some were actively avoiding public spaces.
The protests surrounding ICE operations represented part of a larger wave of unrest in response to heightened activity by the agency throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Demonstrations consisted of both peaceful activities and instances of disorder, including a disruption during a press conference when Senator Alex Padilla was removed for questioning officials about ICE’s enforcement strategies.
The situation drew condemnation from state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the deployment of national guard troops in relation to ICE’s operations and the residual tensions regarding immigration law enforcement. The ongoing events reflect substantial concerns within the community about the invasive and arbitrary nature of ICE’s enforcement tactics, contributing to a significant atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among undocumented residents and their supporters.
As the situation evolves, Irvine officials continue to urge residents to stay informed and communicate effectively while mobilizing resources to assist those in need amid the challenges presented by ICE’s actions.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- FOX LA
- Google Search: ICE operations Irvine
- OC Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- KTLA
- Google News: ICE protests California
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Scholar: immigration enforcement protests
