As the ongoing federal raids targeting immigrants in Southern California continue, they’re having a big impact on the recovery from January’s wildfires.
Brock Harris of Brock and Lori Harris Real Estate told KTLA’s Lauren Lyster that federal agents are visiting construction sites.
In one recent instance, they were searching for a specific person who was not at the job site that day. Though they didn’t find their target, the agents still scared many who saw what happened.
“The next day, half the crew didn’t show up,” he said.
Construction sites have started trying to camouflage themselves in an attempt to avoid federal agents, Harris added.
“Whether or not it’s true, they feel these places might be targets,” he explained.
In places like Pacific Palisades, Altadena and nearby areas, construction sites are plentiful due to the devastation from January’s wildfires. But with fewer workers showing up, the rebuilding process is taking longer.
“When hammers aren’t swinging, we’re not getting the houses we need rebuilt in Altadena,” he said.
In a statement, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said she’d also heard from constituents about the issue.
“It’s disappointing to hear this and another compelling reason why Congress needs to sponsor legislation that actually legitimizes and allows people to work here,” she said. “Our wildfire survivors are dealing with many challenges — they need all the support they can get.”
The nature of these immigration raids has alarmed local officials, who describe them as “unconstitutional” and who have announced a lawsuit against the federal government.
The Department of Homeland Security, however, said the roundups are being done by the book.
“ICE does not randomly arrest people or conduct operations without specific objectives. Nor does federal law enforcement execute operations without undergoing proper procedure, such as securing warrants when necessary … The appropriate process due to an illegal alien with final deportation orders is removal, plain and simple. That said, DHS has a stringent law enforcement assessment in place that abides by due process under the U.S. Constitution,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
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