HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Trump administration's illegal immigration raids are continuing around the nation on Monday and those raids are being closely watched by many people in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Those raids come in the aftermath of a federal policy change made last week that allows them to be carried out in places like schools and churches.
US Immigration officials insist they are tracking down illegal immigrants who are known to be involved in criminal activity but they are also picking up people who are in the country illegally who may not necessarily be involved in criminal activity.
28/22 News spoke to members of the Latino community in the Hazleton area who say they are taking steps to be ready If indeed raids come to their schools.
Federal illegal immigration raids are taking place all across the nation and images of those raids are being seen on a daily basis.
28/22 News is unaware if any raids were carried out in northeastern Pennsylvania.
"For right now the only thing that I can do and I'm doing is to have information that you can believe," said Executive Director of the Hazleton Integration Project Rossana Gabriel.
The Hazleton integration project provides a wide variety of educational and social services to the Hazleton area community, including hundreds of children.
Many of their clients are members of the Latino community who are recent immigrants to northeastern Pennsylvania.
"Today, I took eight phone calls from business owners, from the people, from parents who are afraid. So I'm telling them 'Continue watching the information you can trust,' and continue asking me the accurate information I know at the moment," Gabriel continued.
She says the center does not ask people about their legal status.
"My understanding is federal agents can come to schools, public places like this. If happens do you know how to handle it?" 28/22 News I-Team Reporter Andy Mehalshick asked.
"I have a lot of information that says how to handle that situation without breaking the law," Gabriel replied.
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The Hazleton Area School District is also preparing for potential federal raids.
More than 60 percent of the district is made up of Hispanic students.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Uplinger sent a statement to 28/22 News:
Our top priority as educators is to provide every student with a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive academically and personally. The Hazleton Area School District (HASD) is aware of the recent Department of Homeland Security directive permitting ICE enforcement at schools and is proactively developing internal protocols to address this matter. We are actively consulting with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, legal experts, neighboring school districts, community organizations, and our own teachers, staff, and families to create a thoughtful and comprehensive plan that prioritizes the well-being and safety of our students.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Uplinger
The Scranton School District is also expected to address how these raids might impact their district at its meeting Monday night.
