Los Angeles, California - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued a statement on recent federal ICE immigration raids targeting Central Americans.

“The deportation raids targeting the homes of immigrant children, mothers and families seeking refuge from unspeakable violence in Central America go against our nation's fundamental values of equality and justice for all. Rather than sending vulnerable women and children back to the same dangerous conditions they were forced to flee, our national interest is better served by preventing those who pose a public safety risk from entering our country. My office will continue to work with the legal community and immigration advocates to ensure that these families are given humane treatment and the due process the American system of justice promises.”

In response to tens of thousands of children fleeing violence and poverty in Central America, Attorney General Harris led an innovative, multi-sector initiative that has secured millions of dollars and more than 10,000 hours in pro bono work to close the legal services gap for unaccompanied children across the state.  In 2014, Attorney General Harris also sponsored legislation signed by Governor Brown that provided $3 million to qualified non-profits to provide legal services for unaccompanied minors. 

Attorney General Harris has also issued consumer alerts and hosted a number of forums across California to provide immigrants and their families accurate information about President Obama’s immigration-related executive actions and tips to avoid predatory scams that delay and, in some instances jeopardize immigration relief.