Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee has signed historic orders to create 'ICE-free zones' in the city, aimed at preventing federal immigration enforcement operations from taking place on Oakland's property. The executive orders take effect immediately and are designed to protect the community from what Lee described as "chaos" and "violence," citing the recent unrest in Minneapolis.
The first order restricts the use of federal property for processing, operations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This move closely mirrors legislation approved by Alameda County that bars federal immigration agents from using county property for enforcement activities.
Lee's second order directs city departments to prepare for the possible deployment of federal personnel, including the US military or National Guard. It establishes an interdepartmental task force to coordinate a response plan, educate communities about their rights, and review ways to report alleged wrongdoing by federal agents.
The move has been welcomed by community leaders, who see it as a crucial step in defending the city's immigrant population against what they describe as an "immigration siege." East Bay Congresswoman Lateefah Simon praised Lee's efforts, saying that the government should "protect and serve its people."
Caheri Gutierrez of the Oakland-based Unity Council described the executive orders as "monumental," stating that they are a "declaration" for immigrant communities, reassuring them that the city is committed to protecting them.
The move has also been backed by union leaders, who see it as essential in providing guidance and protection for city employees against possible federal immigration actions. Antoinette Blue, president of SEIU Local 1021, noted that her members would be the first line of contact if ICE were to visit their workplaces, highlighting the need for clarity on how to handle such situations.
Miya Saika Chen, chief of staff for Lee, stressed that the executive orders are a clear direction from the mayor, emphasizing the city's commitment to not becoming a "combat zone."
The first order restricts the use of federal property for processing, operations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This move closely mirrors legislation approved by Alameda County that bars federal immigration agents from using county property for enforcement activities.
Lee's second order directs city departments to prepare for the possible deployment of federal personnel, including the US military or National Guard. It establishes an interdepartmental task force to coordinate a response plan, educate communities about their rights, and review ways to report alleged wrongdoing by federal agents.
The move has been welcomed by community leaders, who see it as a crucial step in defending the city's immigrant population against what they describe as an "immigration siege." East Bay Congresswoman Lateefah Simon praised Lee's efforts, saying that the government should "protect and serve its people."
Caheri Gutierrez of the Oakland-based Unity Council described the executive orders as "monumental," stating that they are a "declaration" for immigrant communities, reassuring them that the city is committed to protecting them.
The move has also been backed by union leaders, who see it as essential in providing guidance and protection for city employees against possible federal immigration actions. Antoinette Blue, president of SEIU Local 1021, noted that her members would be the first line of contact if ICE were to visit their workplaces, highlighting the need for clarity on how to handle such situations.
Miya Saika Chen, chief of staff for Lee, stressed that the executive orders are a clear direction from the mayor, emphasizing the city's commitment to not becoming a "combat zone."
just think about it - if a major US city like Oakland can create ICE-free zones, maybe other cities will follow suit? 
it's about time we prioritize community safety and human rights over federal laws that seem to be targeting vulnerable groups. i'm all for the mayor taking a stand and setting an example for other leaders to follow 
. the fact that they're preparin' for federal personnel deployment shows they're serious about defendin' the city's immigrant population 
. it's also good to see union leaders supportin' this move, 'cause when workers feel safe, everyone wins 
. i'd love to see other cities follow suit and create their own ice-free zones 
ICE-free zones 
Oakland is like "No thanks, we got this" 
Barbara Lee signing those orders 
. This is what happens when you got leaders who care about people over profit 
(source: Grumpy Cat)
I'm so late to this thread, but I just saw the news about Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee signing those 'ICE-free zones' executive orders 
. I gotta say, I think it's kinda cool that she's taking action to protect her community from what can be super scary situations with federal immigration enforcement 
. The fact that community leaders and union leaders are all on board with it too is awesome 
. I'm not even from Oakland, but as a citizen of this country, it's good to see mayors taking leadership roles like this 
. By implementing these 'ICE-free zones', Mayor Barbara Lee is sending a strong message that her city values diversity, inclusivity, and the well-being of all its residents 
. It's heartening to see community leaders like Lateefah Simon and union leaders like Antoinette Blue speaking out in support of this initiative 
.
. This move also highlights the importance of local government taking proactive steps to protect its citizens from federal immigration enforcement operations 
, and I'm loving how she's taking charge like this. It's about time more cities started taking a stance on these immigration issues... and btw, has anyone seen the latest stats on immigration enforcement in Oakland? They should def be released ASAP 
I'm so down with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee taking a stand against ICE-free zones. Like, can you imagine if every city in America did this? It'd be huge! The fact that she's creating an interdepartmental task force to coordinate a response plan is genius 
. And I love how community leaders are welcoming this move, it shows that the people behind the politician care about what's really going on.
. Don't get me wrong, I feel for the community, but isn't this just creating more problems than it solves? What about the federal agents who are gonna be deployed to Oaklands neighborhoods? That's just gonna cause more tension and fear. And what about accountability? How's the city gonna make sure they're doing their jobs without becoming a hotbed of chaos 
.
.
It's kinda cool to see the city taking a stand for their community like this though. I mean, I remember when immigration issues were more of a "who knows what's going on" kind of thing... now it feels like we're actually seeing some real action being taken. Still can't help but wonder what the future holds for all this... 
Back in my day, we didn't have to worry about our neighbors being deported just because they were here on a visa. It's crazy how times change.
. I'm all for it, you know? The thought of federal agents traipsing around our cities, causing chaos and violence 
.
. We can't let fear and division dictate how we treat each other - we're all in this together, after all 
