College Park officials issued statements over the weekend addressing public concern over possible federal immigration enforcement activity in the community.
Mayor Bianca Motley Broom said the city has not been contacted by federal immigration agencies regarding any operations in the community, including at the Georgia International Convention Center.
“Federal immigration agencies have not been in contact with the city of College Park about any operations taking place in our community,” the mayor said.
She added that city leaders are in contact with federal, state, and local authorities. They are “actively monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety of our College Park residents,” the mayor’s statement said.
Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie echoed the mayor’s comments in a statement released Sunday, while also urging residents to take precautions.
“We strongly encourage our residents to carry proper identification and documentation of legal status, including proof of citizenship, when going about daily activities,” McKenzie said.
The statements come as communities across the U.S. are on edge following the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday. In response to his death, Mayor Motley Broom said she joins leaders nationwide in calling for an independent investigation.
“I join leaders across our nation in calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident so that all of the facts can be fully understood and public confidence can be upheld,” Motley Broom said in a statement.
The mayor said if such an incident could occur in Minneapolis, it could also happen in communities like College Park.
“I’ve spoken with residents who have expressed concern,” Motley Broom said Monday.
Concerns over immigration enforcement and civil rights were also raised last week during a community meeting in East Point.
Atlanta News First reported that Steve Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, told attendees that violations of rights “have no place in law enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security.”
According to Atlanta News First, East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan advised residents to comply with ICE agents if they encounter them. Buchanan acknowledged the uncertainty many residents are feeling, saying, “I see what’s going on just like you do. I have questions just like you do.”
Starting a fight with ICE agents is a sure fire way to get into a big conflict. Trying to impede their activities is just asking for trouble. Leave them alone and they will not bother you. ( Unless maybe you are a criminal and being hunted ) Alex Pretti was not minding his own business. He like Renee Good was out looking for trouble and excitement. They both found it.
Classic cases of F A F O
Ahh… so in other words you’re spineless. You’d see a woman getting forcefully pushed to the ground and wouldn’t say a thing. You’d be happy to just move along and mind your own. Wow, what character you have.
they were NOT out looking for trouble, they were legally protesting the presence of ICE agents and their agressive tactics. Citizens are being provoked to defend themselves others.
Continue to keep your cameras and phones rolling to see just how these THUGS operate
This is my first time posting: These good and legal citizens and they were NOT out looking for trouble, they were legally protesting the presence of ICE agents and their agressive tactics. Citizens are being provoked to defend themselves others.
Continue to keep your cameras and phones rolling to see just how these THUGS operate
H Lee,
Alex Pretti was not “asking for trouble” but rather peacefully protesting; protected by law under the First Amendment. He was simply videotaping ICE’s presence in MN, not obstructing nor impeding, and he certainly didn’t approach agents with a 9mm handgun to inflict maximum damage as was reported by Greg Bovino and Kristi Noam. You can put your head in the sand and say “mind your business” or you can stand up for democracy and human rights. If he were your son, you’d see how asinine your comments come across.