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Advocates worry Homeland Security may deter immigrants from seeking water

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Advocates worry Homeland Security's presence in Jackson may deter immigrants from seeking out water

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has sent agents to Jackson to help with emergency water distribution efforts, but organizers who work with undocumented immigrants say its presence may prevent them from seeking assistance. 

The Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity is distributing from its headquarters at 406 West Fortification St. It is also collecting donations for two immigrant families impacted by in central Mississippi about two weeks ago. Much of the operation is volunteer-based.

Organizers learned DHS agents would be in Jackson on a call where an agent announced they would visit distribution sites “to check things out,” said Jess Manrriquez, director of the Queer and Trans Justice for the alliance. The department also released a statement last saying agents would be in the city. 

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“We don't want anything to do with them because we have people on site who are vulnerable,” Manrriquez said. “As much as they say they won't (conduct immigration enforcement), we don't believe that. There are too many instances of people getting caught up.” 

DHS includes Immigration Customs and Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol, which are agencies responsible for immigration enforcement. 

In a Friday statement, the department said emergency relief sites, such as those to food and water and to apply for disaster-related assistance, are protected where “to the fullest extent possible” ICE and CBP don't conduct immigration enforcement. 

“ICE and CBP emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status,” according to the statement. “DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.”

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Other examples of protected areas include schools, hospitals, places of worship and social services establishments. 

Manrriquez said she doesn't take the department's word as a guarantee not to enforce immigraton laws. Although DHS says it won't do it, the department relies on individual agents to determine whether to enforce the laws, she said. 

People who the alliance has helped have reported ICE agents going to protected sites such as schools to request information about children's parents, she said. 

DHS has also deported people during crises, the alliance said in a Tuesday statement. 

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The alliance also highlighted the department's impact in Mississippi. In 2019, a series of raids at poultry plants resulted in the detention of 680 people. Then-U.S. Attorney Mike Hurt called it “the largest single immigration enforcement operation in our nation's history.”

Unless DHS agents wear a badge, uniform or other form of department identification, Manrriquez said there isn't a way to know whether they visited the alliance's water distribution site. 

The alliance's headquarters is a DHS and ICE-free zone, she said. 

The National Guard has been called in to distribute water, similar to how members administered shots earlier in the pandemic. 

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Manrriquez said people who are undocumented and in the immigrant community are not as comfortable around people in uniforms. There is a fear that they will be asked to show immigration documents, she said. 

“It's just the perception, it honestly is,” Manrriquez said. 

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Sex offender pulls knife on deputies

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www.wcbi.com – Eric Lampkin – 2024-03-28 10:37:03

SUMMARY: Kenneth Jones, Jr., a convicted sex offender wanted for failing to register, was in Monroe County after a public tip led deputies to him. During a pursuit, Jones pulled a knife on the deputies, resulting in new charges of felony assault on a officer. Sheriff Kevin Crook thanked the public for their cooperation in locating Jones. Now facing multiple charges, failure to register and assaulting a police officer, Jones is in custody. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public cooperation in enforcement efforts.

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Mississippi man found guilty of injuring 10-week-old daughter

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2024-03-28 10:15:22

SUMMARY: A 24-year-old man, Timothy Warren Wilson, was found guilty of child abuse in Rankin County, Mississippi. Wilson shook his 10--old daughter out of frustration, resulting in severe injuries. He confessed to the and faces a potential sentence of five years to in prison. The prosecution argued that the injuries were consistent with Abusive Head Trauma, commonly known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, rather than a seizure as claimed by the defense. The case involved collaboration between multiple agencies to bring justice to the infant. Fortunately, the child made a full recovery, and authorities hope the healing can continue for the victim and their .

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Mississippi News

Powerball jackpot increases to $935 million after no one wins the top prize

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www.wjtv.com – Matthew Knight – 2024-03-28 05:00:55

SUMMARY: The Powerball jackpot is now at $935 million after no winners were drawn. The Mega Millions jackpot was won in New Jersey for $1.13 . The Powerball jackpot has not been won since New Year's Day. The next drawing is for a sole winner who will be paid over 30 years through an annuity. Experts recommend taking the annuity option as it provides more control and protection for the winnings. Taxes will be withheld regardless of the payout option. Financial and legal advice is recommended for jackpot winners. Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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