Annapolis Mayor Speaks Out About Upcoming ICE Raids

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Mayor Gavin Buckley spoke out Friday, July 12, in response to the federal government's announcement that Baltimore is one of an estimated 10 cities in the U.S. targeted in a massive federal raid carried out by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

The New York Times reports that ICE agents are targeting at least 2,000 immigrants who have been ordered deported — some as a result of their failure to appear in court — but who remain in the country illegally.

"As mayor of the City of Annapolis, I am very concerned about reports of stepped up enforcement actions by federal agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. We do not know if any of these enforcement actions will take place within city limits in the coming days or weeks. Immigration enforcement actions are part of federal agency operations and are not connected to the Annapolis Police Department (APD). We request that residents not unnecessarily spread rumors and fear of enforcement actions. We do ask if you or members of your family are targets of ICE enforcement actions to know your rights and contact the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or the consulate of your country of origin."

Illegal immigration numbers have declined since May when 144,200 migrants were taken into custody at the southwestern border — a 13-year high, The New York Times reported.