Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf on Friday harshly criticized President Trump’s threat to deport millions of undocumented immigrants as early as next week.
Speaking at a news conference in her office, Schaaf said:
“I continue to be outraged that someone who holds elected office is using terror tactics and threats of mass roundups, threats of deporting millions of families and children as campaign rhetoric.”
Trump tweeted his threat to deport immigrants shortly before he kicked off his re-election campaign on Tuesday night.
Schaaf said:
Trump “should not weaponize families and children just to serve his personal campaign goals.”
The mayor said:
“This is not an appropriate use of executive or elected power and I hope the American people hold him accountable.”
Schaaf also clashed with Trump last year when she warned community members about an imminent immigration enforcement sweep.
Trump administration officials responded by saying that the U.S. Department of Justice was being instructed to look into a possible obstruction of justice charge against the mayor.
Schaaf said Friday:
“Clearly I’m not in jail, I have not yet had any legal charges brought against me and I’m not aware of any investigations against me.”
Schaaf said:
“I stand before you very confident in my right to be a sanctuary city mayor.”
Schaaf said that means Oakland police are prohibited from supporting or even appearing to support any immigration raids.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Friday also criticized Trump, saying in a statement:
“It is unconscionable that the federal administration is targeting innocent immigrant families with secret raids that are designed to inflict as much fear and pain as possible.”
Breed said:
“Here in San Francisco, we will always demonstrate our values of diversity and inclusiveness by being a sanctuary city that stands up for all our residents and neighbors.”
In a statement, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said:
“In San Jose, we reject this administration’s politics of fear and exclusion, which is tearing our families apart.
Liccardo continued:
“It’s important for all members of our San Jose community-regardless of immigration status-to know they have rights and that our San Jose Police Department will not participate in any ICE investigation or enforcement activity.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined in the criticism, issuing a statement saying:
“The President’s proposed raids are cruel, misdirected and are creating unnecessary fear and anxiety.”
Newsom said:
“I want Californians to know they have legal rights and protections, regardless of their immigration status. California is a place of refuge – that includes our schools, our courts and our hospitals and clinics.”
He said:
“We hold certain institutions sacred and people should continue to access programs and services they need.”
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said in a statement:
“President Trump’s threat of mass arrests could have a profound effect on access to justice in our state.”
Cantil-Sakauye said:
“Enforcement of immigration laws that upset the delicate checks and balances set up by our Founders undermines our democracy.”
Last modified June 21, 2019 8:31 pm
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