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Carthage-area residents protest alleged tactics by ICE to arrest, deport undocumented aliens

A crowd of around 150 people protested in Carthage on Saturday.  They opposed the tactics allegedly being used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  to deport undocumented aliens.

The residents, mostly Hispanic, gathered in Carthage’s Central Park and along Garrison Avenue just south of the Carthage Public Library not far from the Carthage square.

Protestors waved signs encouraging anyone who might be targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to know their rights.

Only days ago, the Carthage Police Department said that ICE had notified them they would be in southwest Missouri with the intent to arrest and detain illegal aliens.

President Donald Trump began a national crackdown on illegal immigration after taking office on Jan. 20.

He ordered military resources to support border security and deportations while empowering ICE officers to arrest more non-criminals.

According to Reuters news service, ICE arrests nationwide have increased in the past week with about 900-1,200 people picked up per day, according to the agency, compared with a daily average of 311 in fiscal year 2024.

The enforcement actions reportedly included arrests in so-called “sanctuary” cities that limit cooperation with ICE, including New York and Chicago.

ICE reportedly is funded to detain a daily average of 41,500 immigrants in fiscal year 2024 but the agency currently has about 40,000 detainees, according to the most recent statistics.

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