Editor’s Note: The IDS confirmed ICE detained three people from Bloomington this week, though it’s still unclear if ICE is continuing to conduct operations.
Unconfirmed sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Bloomington this week have led to fear as varying reports have circulated online. The Indiana Daily Student cannot confirm any ICE presence in Bloomington as of Thursday.
The FBI arrested a Mexican citizen Tuesday at the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center on a federal warrant. The person was later detained by ICE. Whether ICE obtained custody of the citizen in Bloomington or a different location is unclear.
The IDS reviewed ParentSquare screenshots sent by a Monroe County Community School Corporation parent that show an announcement regarding ICE issued Thursday from MCCSC Strategic Communications Director Sarah DeWeese. DeWeese wrote that ICE had not been at any MCCSC schools. ParentSquare is an online communication platform for MCCSC parents.
The message said teachers and staff will contact the building principal or administrator if ICE visits a school, that student records are held securely and that MCCSC does not ask for or track students’ immigration status.
On Tuesday, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeffrey Brown said in a phone call he was aware of social media reports of ICE in Bloomington but had not been notified of a verified presence by officials. Brown did not respond to a voicemail request Thursday by publication.
IU Police Department Public Information Officer Hannah Cornett said as of Thursday IUPD was not aware of ICE activity on campus. However, she said IUPD wouldn’t receive notice ahead of time if ICE officials were coming.
The uncertainty, Exodus Refugee Immigration Interim Resettlement Director Erin Aquino said, is a fear mongering tactic with impacts on the community’s wellbeing.
“People are afraid to leave their homes, people are afraid to go to work, even people who have residency, who might be naturalized citizens, are afraid to go out in their own community, because they're afraid of being detained by ICE,” Aquino said.
Exodus closed its Bloomington offices from Tuesday through Thursday this week following the reports. There, case managers normally help arrange housing, food, transportation and other services for refugees. Staff instead worked remotely.
The Bloomington Rapid Response Network is coordinating with the Bloomington Alliance for Immigrant Rights to investigate reported ICE sightings, Rapid Response Network member Cole Nelson said. Bloomington AIR has used a Signal group message to share updates, advice and alleged sightings of ICE. The IDS has not verified any photos, videos or locations shared in this chat as evidence of ICE activity.
The IDS received tips about restaurants that had reportedly experienced ICE agent presence Wednesday. Representatives at both restaurants the IDS visited for verification of these events said they had not yet seen any ICE agents, though one manager said she was “expecting” them.
One restaurant had a sign on its door that read, “We will be opening our doors at 3:30PM! Sorry for the inconvenience” The restaurant’s regular posted Wednesday hours are 3-10 p.m. and the tip came in around 3:30 p.m. The hosts directed questions to a manager who was standing at the host stand.
“No, ICE was not here,” the manager said. “And it is not up for discussion.”
Bloomington ICE search concerns follow high-profile activity elsewhere in the United States. A raid at a Colorado Springs night club led to ICE detaining over 100 people Sunday. Last week, immigration agents raided an Oklahoma home and seized a family’s belongings, though the intended subject of the search warrant had since moved out of the house. Evansville police confirmed ICE was in their city in a joint press release with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
Several local organizations, including the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Science for the People Bloom, have promoted an anti-ICE rally Friday at the Monroe County Courthouse.
Aquino said Exodus has compiled a “Know Your Rights” page for people who encounter ICE.
According to Exodus, anyone stopped has the right to remain silent, see a warrant, speak to a lawyer and make a phone call. If someone is detained by ICE, the government is not required to provide them a lawyer, but the detainee can ask for a list of free or lower cost alternatives, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
ICE and police officers may only legally enter a home if they have a correct warrant, if they have permission or if there is an “extreme emergency situation,” according to Exodus. Police can stop a car if they have reason to believe it was involved in a crime, if they saw the driver commit a traffic offense or as part of roadblocks to randomly inspect cars for a specific reason.
Drivers stopped must provide their name, but may otherwise remain silent, ask to see a warrant, speak to a lawyer and make a phone call. Police or immigration officials can ask people questions in public or come to a place of work at any time.
Exodus recommends keeping important paperwork in a safe place, memorizing the number of a friend or attorney and creating a safety plan. For undocumented people, Exodus says not to carry a foreign identification card. Those who have obtained legal status should carry proof at all times.
Bloomington AIR organizers sent messages in their Signal chat recommending people memorize the National Lawyers Guild federal defense hotline, 212-679-2811.
Have a tip? Reach out at newstips@idsnews.com or more securely at @idsnews.25 on Signal.
