20, Jan 2018 | CJP Team

SFGate, citing an unnamed source, reported that immigration authorities in the United States have started readying for a large-scale sweep in San Francisco and other cities in Northern California, with the aim to arrest more than 1,500 undocumented immigrants. The source indicated that this is anticipated to be the largest move of its kind under President Donald Trump. The sweep would target those who have already been singled out for deportation, including those who have been served with final deportation orders and those with criminal pasts, SFGate said, adding that the numbers could increase if authorities encounter other undocumented immigrants and make collateral arrests. In October, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill to implement a statewide sanctuary law; sanctuary laws aim to shield undocumented immigrants and bring them out hiding by limiting cooperation between federal and local authorities. President Trump has criticised such laws, and Thomas Homan, Acting Director of Immigration and Customers Enforcement (ICE) criticised Brown for signing the above mentioned bill. Those supporting the statewide sanctuary law say it would enable undocumented immigrants to cooperate with local authorities and access healthcare, education and other public services without fearing their potential deportation, SFGate said.