ICE Suspends Immigration Enforcement During Gustav Evacuation
Churches in Louisiana, Texas, and other states under evacuation orders in preparation of Hurricane Gustav have reported that some immigrants were refusing to evacuate out of fear of being apprehended by ICE during the evacuation process. In order to assist with the full evacuation of dangerous areas, ICE has released a statement saying that they will not be conducting any immigration enforcement activity on evacuation buses or in shelters.
Kelly Nantel, a spokesperson for ICE, told ABC “There are no immigration enforcement operations, and there are no immigration enforcement checkpoints associated with the evacuations…The Department of Homeland Security’s top priorities in any emergency are life-saving and life-sustaining activities. We want to ensure the safe and swift evacuation of all individuals in the affected region.”
Hurricane Gustav is expected to hit New Orleans and other Gulf states sometime this morning. More than 2 million people have been evacuated, turning New Orleans into a ghost town. In addition, gun sales skyrocketed in the hours before the evacuation.
The biggest Hurricane since Katrina has also put a wrench in the opening day of the Republican National Convention, which kicks off today in Minnesota. John McCain and the Republican Party will only be conducting official business necessary to start the proceedings in the Twin Cities. George W. Bush was slated to be in Minnesota, yet has cancelled his appearance altogether.