Rep. Huffman Announces Suspension of ICE Enforcements; Urges All Sonoma and Mendocino Residents to Follow Evacuation Orders & Safety Recommendations

October 13, 2017

Sonoma County, CA.- Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has suspended all non-criminal immigration enforcement operations at wildfire evacuation sites or shelters due to the devastating fires that continue to burn throughout the North Bay and the North Coast.

Rep. Huffman urges all residents, regardless of immigration status, to seek shelter and follow public safety and evacuation warnings, without any threat of action by ICE.

"During this wildfire crisis plaguing our community, I am grateful that ICE has announced they will place public safety first and suspend immigration enforcement in the impacted areas," said Rep. Huffman. "That means shelters and foodbanks and other assistance centers are open to everyone, including undocumented individuals and DACA recipients, without fear of deportations or other immigration repercussions. My message to everyone in the North Coast and North Bay community, no matter their immigration status: stay safe, vigilant, and continue to follow all public safety warnings."

The full text of ICE’s announcement, which Congressman Huffman requested yesterday that the agency issue, can be found below:

“ICE is deeply concerned by the devastation wildfires have caused in significant portions of northern California. Our thoughts remain with those impacted by this tragedy, while our highest priority remains the preservation of life and safety wherever possible. In consideration of these distressing circumstances, ICE will continue to suspend routine immigration enforcement operations in the areas affected by the fires in northern California, except in the event of a serious criminal presenting a public safety threat. Likewise, immigration enforcement will not be conducted at evacuation sites, or assistance centers such as shelters or food banks."

Constituents can access additional fires response resources on Rep. Huffman’s website and information on how his office can help here or on his main website at http://https://huffman.house.gov/

Residents of Mendocino and Sonoma Counties should continue to monitor these websites to get the latest emergency services information:

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