San Jose bolsters protections for undocumented people
Wednesday, San Jose city councilmembers and advocates banded together to bolster protections for undocumented people ahead of President-Elect Trump's inauguration.
Trump has said he plans to use the military for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants when he takes office, which has sparked fear in immigrant communities.
Eloisa Monroy hasn't seen her husband in 28 days. He was detained by ICE in San Jose.
Her translator, Gabriel Manrique, said each agonizing moment he's away Monroy fears he'll never come back.
"She feels saddened that her husband is not with her, especially if they're the only support they have with each other," Manrique translated.
Monroy's anxiety is intensified by the incoming administration and false rumors of ICE raids spreading throughout San Jose.
Peter Ortiz, a city councilmember said his constituents don't know what to do.
"Many individuals have been reaching out to me through social media or through calls to our office, and have been sharing that they're scared," Ortiz said.
Ortiz and three other councilmembers introduced five recommendations the city could use to strengthen protections including fully funding and supporting the Rapid Response program, a team that responds to any reported ice sightings and connects people with legal organizations. Ortiz also recommended expanding legal assistance programs among other things.
"We saw a large deportation machine during Trump's last presidency," Ortiz said. "So, that's why I want to make sure that the city council is getting prepared and that we're locking step with community-based organizations."
Each recommendation was submitted to the rules committee Wednesday afternoon and unanimously approved.
Meanwhile, Monroy is working with attorneys to get her husband back. The outpouring of support from her city gives her hope that it may happen soon.