As federal authorities continued their President Trump-ordered roundup of illegal immigrants this week, the fallout across Georgia and the rest of the country continued, as pockets of resistance surfaced.
Twice in the past week, groups protested in downtown Gainesville.
Elsewhere in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta issued guidelines for employees to follow should they be confronted by federal agents.
The hospital informed them they are not required to answer ICE’s questions or disclose patient information, that they should remain calm and contact security if ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents arrive unannounced, and that recent changes to federal policy allow ICE to enter public areas of institutions but require a judicial warrant for access to private hospital spaces.
In Macon, meanwhile, there has been no influx of individuals or families seeking shelter being offered at Brookdale Resource Center, a transitional housing and resource center for the homeless. This according to Jake Hall, the Executive Director of United Way of Central Georgia, as reported by WMAZ. Some restaurants in Macon, meanwhile, are collecting donations for Brookdale to support families affected by ICE deportations. The community is rallying to provide essential items like laundry detergent, hygiene products, and toys. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has not received reports of ICE detentions in central Georgia, and efforts are being made to support at-risk families in case of future impacts.
And more law enforcement officials in Georgia are joining an ICE Program, which could lead to additional deportations. The AJC reports that sheriffs from Murray, Walker, Montgomery, Spalding, and Monroe counties have all signed up, giving local sheriffs more authority, similar to those of ICE agents. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is already a participant one of only 14 in the state at the start of the year, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), quoting figures from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.
The arrests are raising concerns for religious communities, prompting some church leaders to mobilize for protection and support. Reports of the majority of those arrested are from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Colombia, with church leaders preparing for possible ICE visits by implementing safety measures and emphasizing unity within the community. 11 Alive reports that Churches are working to ensure congregants feel safe in their place of worship amidst the recent raids.
And there was a massive , hours- long demonstration in support of immigrants in Chamblee Saturday. .
(GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY)