“Self-deport or you’ll be arrested”: ICE targets migrants in Home Depot raid

• ICE arrests five migrants
• Operation occurred at Home Depot
• They promote voluntary self-deportation

A surprise raid by ICE agents outside a Home Depot has alarmed immigrant communities, accompanied by a direct message: if you’re undocumented, consider leaving the country on your own.

ICE intensifies raids and warns about self-deportation

Why it matters

The operation, carried out on May 20, reflects an intensification of ICE’s immigration enforcement strategies, including the use of anonymous tips and the active promotion of self-deportation.

Immigrant rights organizations warn that these types of actions create an atmosphere of fear and stigmatization.

How the ICE raid happened

The operation took place in the parking lot of the Home Depot located at Eastern Avenue and Kane Street in Baltimore.

ICE posted an official 31-second video on its Facebook page showing the exact moment of the arrest.

In the clip, several agents are seen exiting an unmarked vehicle and rushing a group of men.

ALSO OF INTEREST: “Please, my children.” ICE arrests woman as she pleads for her kids

Five undocumented immigrants were arrested after being identified at the scene.

The video shows the use of physical force: some were tackled and handcuffed while trying to escape.

ICE’s post included a written warning:

“If you are in the United States without documents, you should expect to be arrested. You can avoid it by self-deporting now.”

What the authorities say

According to ICE, the operation was made possible by an anonymous tip received through its tip line.
In its message, the agency highlighted:

“When you call our Tip Line, we listen!”

The agency has strengthened its strategy based on community reports and resources such as the CBP Home app to facilitate voluntary self-deportation.

? More information: ICE.gov/self-deportation

The impact of ICE raids on the immigrant community

Pro-immigrant organizations have expressed opposition to the operation and to public messages that “normalize the persecution of people without immigration status.”

Lawyers recommend the Hispanic community:

• Do not sign documents without legal counsel.
• Exercise the right to remain silent.
• Do not post their immigration status on social media.
• Have an emergency plan with legal contacts.
• They also stress that not every tip leads to arrest and that each case may have legal defenses.

What we are seeing

ICE has been criticized for carrying out arrests in courthouses right after immigration hearings — a practice labeled as an “ambush.”

The agency has also increased operations in workplaces and businesses like Home Depot.

The DHS, for its part, warns that those who do not self-deport “will be arrested and deported with no chance of return.”

What do you think about these types of operations and ICE’s message? Do you believe they promote safety or spread fear in our communities?

SOURCE: Facebook Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE)