'This Is Terror': ICE Makes String Of Arrests In Norristown

NORRISTOWN, PA — Federal immigration officers have made a string of arrests of suspected undocumented residents in Norristown over the past several days, according to immigration support groups and municipal officials, the latest push in President Trump's nationwide crackdown that has raised cries of civil rights abuses.

Norristown and Montgomery County officials said that locals have been arrested while shopping, working, commuting, and in front of their children and families.

"This is terror," the group Latinos in Pennsylvania said in response to the recent crackdown.

The crackdown on Montgomery County's county seat, which is home to a significant Hispanic population and a large immigrant community of many nationalities, comes just a week after the county landed on a recent Homeland Security list of "noncompliant" jurisdictions.

"The actions of ICE are horrific, cruel, and unjust," Norristown Councilwoman Jasmine Griffen said. "And they are not welcome in Norristown. People are being taken while simply enjoying and living life."

Related: Montco Lands On Homeland Security List For 'Undermining Federal Law'

Montgomery County was one of 11 counties in Pennsylvania to make the Homeland Security list. The county and its leadership have been outspoken both in support of immigrants and in rejecting calls from ICE for the support of local law enforcement.

The exact number of Norristown arrests and presumed deportations is unknown, though the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that at least 20 people have been taken in the past week.

"This is not okay," Griffen added. "Norristown is a strong and beautiful community. We are resilient and are always stronger together and supporting each other. I will continue to stand with everyone facing this extensive, traumatic, unjust, and inhumane treatment."

Montgomery County has recently created a new Immigrant Resource Center and hired a new director of Immigrant Affairs since Trump's inauguration. Commissioner Jamila Winder said "we are taking every step we can" to support the immigrant community.

"Norristown is a place of resilience and culture," Winder added. "We will continue to celebrate and uplift our diversity, despite fears, threats, or bigotry."

In addition to support from the county, the Norristown Police Department has also put out flyers on to help citizens identify actual Norristown police officers, and differentiate them from potential ICE agents.

Groups like ACLAMO in Norristown continue to offer basic social and legal services and a wide variety of educational programs and assistance to Latinos. Call (610) 277-2570 for assistance in Norristown, or (610) 970-2134 in Pottstown.