The actions of US federal immigration authorities and reports of arrests in Glendale, California, USA, have caused concern in the Armenian community also. Videos with Armenian posts are being shared on social media, in which Armenians urge each other to be careful and attentive these days.

As per American media, an immigration control operation called “Operation Safe California” is being carried out in this US state, within the framework of which agents are looking for people with problems related to their immigration status. According to our interlocutor from the US, in recent days arrests have been made in Glendale on the streets, during car stops, and in apartment buildings.

“Among those arrested was also an Armenian family, the members of which had no criminal record. There are also cases when a person who has not committed any violations is arrested without any reason. The exact number of arrests is unknown,” the source noted.

As per the interlocutor, the actions may also target people without a criminal record if they have problems with their immigration status. This includes, in particular, people whose US visas have expired, or who have a final deportation decision.

“At the same time, the process of applying for a green card or asylum does not in itself mean that a person will necessarily be arrested or deported.” According to our source, the possibility of releasing those arrested depends on their immigration status and the circumstances of the case.

Armenian News-NEWS.am’s interlocutor emphasized that in some cases it is possible to be released on bail, but there are also cases when people remain in immigration detention until the end of the investigation of their cases. Children and the elderly are not arrested, and in the case of women, an electronic monitoring device is mostly attached to their legs.

The Glendale City Hall has stated that the local police do not participate in the enforcement of US federal civil immigration laws and do not have the authority to interfere with the lawful actions of federal agencies. At the same time, the city authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of all members of the community, regardless of immigration status.