Austin, TX — As Texans continue to seek shelter from Hurricane Harvey, it is critically important to understand that local officials are saving lives. The mission is all about safety, not enforcing inhumane immigration policies.
“There is absolutely no reason why anyone should not call [for help]. And I and others will be the first ones to stand up with you,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, an attorney. “If someone comes and they require help and then for some reason [someone] tries to deport them, I will represent them myself…I do not want you to run the risk of losing your life or [that of] a family member because you’re concerned about SB 4 or anything else.” [Texas Tribune, August 28, 2017]
WE WILL NOT ASK FOR IMMIGRATION STATUS OR PAPERS AT ANY SHELTER. No vamos a pedir documentos ni estatus migratorio en ningun albergue
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) August 29, 2017
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have stated that it is not conducting immigration enforcement at relief sites such as shelters or food banks.” [CNN, August 29, 2017]
Click here for important Hurricane Harvey Community Resources compiled by United We Dream.
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If someone comes and they require help and then for some reason [someone] tries to deport them, I will represent them myself.