On October 20, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided The Clairmont Apartments in southwest Nashville, resulting in the detention of more than 20 residents who were thought to be illegal.
Agents broke into the apartments and arrested men and women at gunpoint, forcing them to leave their children behind, reports the Nashville Scene. There are no known “criminal charges filed against the people who agents rounded up [and] warrants were not presented before agents entered the apartments by force, say immigrant representatives.
Raids, such as this one, are currently taking place all over the country and must be stopped. Although the intentions of this agency are well-meant, the way it is going about reaching its goals is bordering the line between what is humane and what is not.
Whether these immigrants are illegal or not, a warrant was not shown at the time that the ICE agents broke into their apartments. A home is where people feel most safe and comfortable, and for that safe-haven to be disturbed is uncalled for, especially when children are present.
This also brings to light another concern with immigration reform – what would happen to the underage U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants? Would they stay in the U.S. with legal family members or would they have their citizenship taken away and be deported along with their family? These are just a couple of the questions that must be answered whenever any form of illegal immigration is being proposed.
Children cannot be torn apart from their parents and left alone like they were in the raid at these apartments. These children should not be forced to give up the U.S. citizenship they rightfully deserve because of their parents mistakes. Thousands of people all over the world consider the United States a place where dreams can come true and freedom is celebrated. Parents come to the U.S. to give their children a better life and allow them to have greater opportunities to advance themselves in their careers; unfortunately, sometimes they come into the U.S. illegally.
Raids like these could also leave long-lasting emotional and psychological effects on the children that have to witness ICE agents break into their peaceful homes and see their parents being taken away at gunpoint.
If immigration reform is to be passed it must address these issues: home and business raids and whether U.S.-born children must give up their citizenship and be deported along with their parents.
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