Local officials prepare community for Trump’s executive order on immigration
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration policy has sparked a nationwide and local debate, and local leaders want to make sure immigrants understand their rights.
The executive order advises Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and State to take necessary action to remove “illegal aliens” across the southern border.
At this time, Trump has declared a national emergency to secure the southern border which has resulted in 22 attorney general lawsuits as this will violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
As Trump takes action in Washington, local leaders in South Bend are making it clear they are committed to upholding constitutional rights for all citizens by preparing for the effect it may have on the community.
The order follows Trump's promise to issue mass deportations immediately after taking office as officials have already reported raids in Chicago.
South Bend Mayor James Mueller plans to focus on prominent issues that affect the community first, and says he stands firm on helping the community regardless of their immigration status.
“The federal government is responsible for immigration policies now. There are times when if there is a warrant for an arrest of an individual from the federal level our community will assist in that,” said Mueller. “Our focus is going to focus on community safety issues here in South Bend and our offices aren’t waiting around for the federal government to tell them what to do.”
With more than 100,000 service calls from the police department last year, the City of South Bend remains focused on combatting issues that affect the community first and leaving it up to the federal government to address immigration policy.
La Casa De Amistad is a South Bend organization that also wants to protect and support residents by helping them navigate the legal landscape of immigration policies.
While the courts work to determine the fate of these orders La Casa De Amistad CEO Juan Constantino and his team will step up to ensure residents are informed and protected during this transition.
“La Casa De Amistad is a welcoming and safe place for anyone in our community but especially for Latino, Hispanic, and immigrant communities to be and seek refuge, to seek resources, and to know that they do belong here in the City of South Bend and in our region, so we will continue to do that and fight for our community’s rights,” said Constantino.
If the executive order is passed it will go into full effect on Feb. 19, meaning anyone born to undocumented parents would not be a U.S. citizen.
To learn what resources are available to local immigrants visit, La Casa De Amistad's official website for more information on how this order may affect your family.