Yes, ICE has been in Oakland, but large immigration raids have not begun

Rumors regarding ICE activity have surged in Oakland after recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. Abby Sullivan Engen, co-directing attorney at Centro Legal De La Raza, reported a significant influx of unverified sightings and stressed the need for accurate information sharing. While ICE has carried out targeted enforcement, no Oakland clients or residents have faced detention thus far. Paul Chambers of the Oakland Police Department confirmed ICE's operations but did not disclose specifics. Local laws limit collaboration between law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, reinforcing Oakland's stance against federal enforcement.

The City Council previously banned contracts with entities that assist ICE or CBP in data collection. Engen highlighted that ICE collaborates with a private contractor that uses an app for tracking immigration cases, raising concerns about privacy. She urged community members to utilize the ACILEP hotline to confirm any sightings and protect their immigrant neighbors.