The city is shook. Days after ICE raided a work site in Wilton Manors, many are still in disbelief. With a strong immigrant community, many knew it was likely, but it’s still shocking.
Sources say that it happened at the former Thai Me Up restaurant, which is being renovated/converted into an Italian restaurant. On social media, WMPD Chief Gary Blocker said ICE asked for help and the department responded.
Blocker did not detail the extent of WMPD’s participation. He said an investigation is underway and details will be released when the report is finished. No timeline was given.
However, city commissioners want answers sooner.
“Can you talk to our community about the ICE raids and what you’re doing to support our community,” Commissioner Mike Bracchi asked during Chief Blocker’s report at the Feb. 11 meeting.
“We’re supporting our local interests,” Blocker said. “ICE is its own entity. This was not a WMPD-led event.”
Turning to City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson, Bracchi asked, “What can we tell our community members who are afraid and terrified who are legally here? What can we do?”
“We do our best to create a safe environment,” she replied. “These situations are difficult for everybody and traumatizing for the people involved. Traumatizing for the people who are witnessing it, and traumatizing to the entire community. I think we are still working through that.”
Since ICE is a federal agency, people are unsure what, if anything, can be done at the city level.
Blocker deferred to the city attorney, who was measured in his words, pointing out that federal law is not his specialty and, at the moment, is shifting ground.
“As we see, federal law is changing daily with Executive Orders, with other legislation, with directives, with court opinions. It is a very fast moving matter,” Kerry Ezrol said.
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