Immigration Sweep Hoax Creates Panic Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
Anxiety over the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles reached a new peak on Friday as a social media hoax about immigration sweeps began to circulate online. The false report, originating from an unknown sender, claimed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were spotted in several South L.A. neighborhoods and nearby cities like Pasadena, El Segundo, and Inglewood.
Authorities Debunk False Reports
Despite the widespread panic caused by the hoax, the Department of Homeland Security quickly refuted the claims, stating that no large-scale enforcement operations were taking place in Southern California. The sender of the false report even alleged that ICE was conducting raids at a WinCo Foods supermarket chain in Lakewood, but a spokesperson for WinCo Foods denied any such activities.
City Officials Respond
Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack emphasized that federal law enforcement agencies do not inform the city about their operations. While he had heard rumors of immigration checkpoints on Lakewood Boulevard, he confirmed that no such actions had been taken in the area. Additionally, an employee at a Lakewood WinCo Foods store clarified that there were no immigration sweeps happening at the grocery store.
Commitment to Safety During Emergencies
Alethea Smock, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that individuals seeking shelter or aid during emergencies are able to do so regardless of their immigration status. The federal agency emphasized that no immigration enforcement activities occur in “protected areas” like evacuation routes or emergency supply distribution sites.
In the midst of these false reports, the looming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump adds another layer of uncertainty. With Trump promising mass deportations upon taking office, the appointment of Thomas Homan, the former acting ICE director, as his “border czar” raises concerns about the future of immigration enforcement in the country.
As rumors and hoaxes continue to spread, it is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and verify information before succumbing to panic. The intersection of natural disasters and immigration enforcement only heightens the stakes, underscoring the need for accurate communication and reliable sources in times of crisis.
