West DSM News

Following the recent severe storms and tornadoes in in the South and Midwest, with Kentucky hit especially hard, the Department of Homeland Security has been working with partners in various government programs to help those affected the hardest, despite immigration status.

In a release from the department, the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol reminded the public that the sites providing relief are protected areas and if help is needed they should seek it without fear of repercussions.

“To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones,” the statement said. 

Guidelines for ICE and CBP enforcement actions in areas with special protection requirements has been in effect since Oct 27, 2021, according to a DHS memorandum.

The release said that while the Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with state and local authorities, requested ICE and CBP to help conduct searches and safety missions, DHS officials will not pose as people providing emergency information as a part of immigration enforcement.

The department said that it is aware that some survivors may fear applying for assistance due to their status, but FEMA does not collect information regarding this status and would not provide personal information to ICE or CBP. An exception would only be if ICE or CBP requested the information based on the person posing a threat to national security or public safety.

“DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid or other assistance as a result of the severe weather is able to do so regardless of their immigration status,” the release said. “DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.”