Fake ICE Signs Postings in West Hollywood Cause Concern
Community Reacts with Outrage and Fear
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signs posted in West Hollywood are causing major concerns for the community.
The mayor of West Hollywood, Chelsea Byers, told NBC4 that the most likely fake signs, meant to intimidate the community, are not what their city stands for and wants people to know this behavior is not going to be tolerated.
Signs Target Santa Monica Boulevard in Rainbow District
People in West Hollywood are deeply disturbed after seeing ICE signs posted along Santa Monica Boulevard in the Rainbow District.
“It’s very wrong. Especially in the city of West Hollywood. I mean, West Hollywood, it protects everybody. If you’re a gay, straight, immigrant, or anything,” said Michael Reyes, a West Hollywood resident.
City Takes Action to Remove Signs
The flyers were first spotted Friday and immediately taken down by the city’s code enforcement.
“It does appear that they were fake or, you know, home-printed signs, maybe duct-taped up by somebody themselves. It’s not ICE coming to our community and posting notices, but it is somebody trying to send a message, and that message is unwelcome here,” said Byers.
Mayor’s Response to Incident
Byers was frustrated to see this level of intimidation circulating in the city, especially at a time when there are serious concerns for the immigrant community with President Donald Trump’s executive orders on mass deportations and federal law enforcement agents preparing for a large-scale immigration enforcement in the coming weeks.
“West Hollywood is an inclusive community. We are a welcoming community. We are a sanctuary city. So to see this sort of vigilante message out being posted this way, it is not reflective of who we are as a city,” said Byers.
Byers understands how many people may be scared right now and wants them to know the city is there to provide support and resources. She also sent a message to the people responsible for posting the signs.
“If this was a joke, if this was something that was meant to sort of poke fun at what’s happening right now, it’s very serious for people whose real lives feel a threat. They feel like their families are going to be broken up, their communities are going to be broken up, and the City of West Hollywood does not stand for that,” said Byers.
City’s Response to Incident
The city of West Hollywood is launching a “Know Your Rights Campaign” in the coming days to inform their community on how to interact with immigration officials.
Conclusion
The fake ICE signs posted in West Hollywood have caused widespread concern and outrage in the community. The city has taken swift action to remove the signs and is launching a campaign to inform residents on how to interact with immigration officials. The mayor has also sent a strong message to the people responsible for posting the signs, emphasizing that such behavior is not welcome in the city.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the fake ICE signs?
+ The signs are meant to intimidate the community and spread fear.
* What is the city’s response to the incident?
+ The city has taken down the signs and is launching a “Know Your Rights Campaign” to inform residents on how to interact with immigration officials.
* What is the mayor’s message to the people responsible for posting the signs?
+ The mayor has sent a message condemning the behavior, emphasizing that such actions are not welcome in the city.
