PITTSBURGH (PTTP)- As ICE fears and sightings rise around the country, Pennsylvanians are speaking out, from government officials to high school walk outs.
The number of people being held in ICE detention centers across the US have increased by over 75% in the past year according to a report by the American Immigration Council, showing the emphasis the Trump administration has placed on immigration enforcement.
In Pennsylvania, the increase in ICE and detention centers were discussed in a letter from Governor Josh Shapiro to DHS secretary Kristi Noem sent last week. In it, Shapiro addressed DHS’ plans to build immigration detention centers from warehouse facilities in the Berks and Schuylkill counties, saying his administration will, “aggressively pursue every option to prevent these facilities from opening and needlessly harming the good people of Pennsylvania.”
Closer to home in Pittsburgh, ICE activity has been at the forefront of many people’s minds, especially with recent detainment sightings in Wilkinsburg and Homestead reported by Frontline Dignity. Frontline Dignity uses a system of volunteers and neighbors to respond to ICE sightings as reported partially through their hotline, 412-53-NO-ICE.
Legislation is also changing, as Oakmont officials passed a resolution for non-cooperation with ICE following last month’s detainment of Oakmont resident Jose Flores. Springdale officials said little at the meeting, as reported by Public Source.
Additional outrage has sparked following the detainment of Randy Cordova Flores, a Springdale man who was initially pulled over for a traffic stop. On February 14th, a rally for love meant to condemn CordorvaFlores’ arrest turned into a large event after a passing motorist stopped to confront protestors, appearing to shove and slap demonstrators after one allegedly touched his vehicle.
A demonstration also occurred at Taylor Allderdice high school on Feb 18 when students walked out to speak out against the increase of ICE.