Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – A notice about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcmenet raids posted in an apartment complex in Silver Spring with a large number of African immigrants raised alarms, but it turns out, it was a fake.
Residents of the White Oak Gardens apartments in Silver Spring came home Aug. 1 to find a notice on white paper with what appeared to be a Department of Homeland Security seal taped to the doors. It read: “Please be advised that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel from the Department of Homeland Security will be on the premises beginning August 2, 2019. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.”
Will Jawando, who represents the neighborhood on the Montgomery County Council, said the notices were disturbing to residents and county government officials.
Weeks after President Donald Trump announced ICE would be conducting raids to find and deport illegal immigrants in nine major cities across the country, immigrants in Montgomery County remain on high alert. Jawando said he started looking into the notice after people reached out on social media sharing their concerns about it.
“At this time when we’ve got all these things going on at the national level, and the rhetoric, it’s really important that I think we reaffirm our commitment to support all of our residents, no matter where they come from, and to keep everyone safe,” Jawando said.
In July, County Executive Marc Elrich signed an executive order prohibiting county officials from working with ICE.
Jawando said there were many red flags that led him to believe the notice wansn’t real. It didn’t look official, and Jawando said ICE does not normally notify people about when and where immigration raids will take place.
ICE confirmed the councilmember’s suspicions to WMAL saying in a statement the notice was not issued or sanctioned by ICE.
“Just like false reports of immigration checkpoints or random sweeps, notices like these are dangerous and irresponsible. Any person who actively incites panic or fear of law enforcement is doing a disservice to the community and endangering public safety,” an ICE spokesperson wrote.
In a post to residents on Facebook, Jawando wrote, “After investigating the credibility of this notice it is our understanding that it is a hoax meant to upset residents.”
Jawando said he notified Montgomery County Police. Sgt. Rebecca Innocenti said they are aware of the notices, but it doesn’t appear that posting them rises to the level of a criminal offense.
Jawando said he is continuing monitor the situation and told constituents they can reach out to his office if they need help or go to the Montgomery County Charles W. Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center.
Copyright 2019 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. PHOTO: Councilmember Will Jawando via Facebook
