The following statement can be attributed to Cities United For Immigration Action (CUIA) in response to recent reports of federal immigration raids that are targeting immigrant families from Central America for deportation.

“Representing cities across the nation, we are troubled by the recent reports of federal immigration raids targeting families of adults and children from Central America. We believe that the United States must continue to be a welcoming nation that protects individuals who are fleeing persecution and violence. We will continue to closely monitor this situation as it unfolds, and work with our community partners to ensure that our residents have access to city services and reputable legal service providers.”

Nearly 100 cities and counties have joined forces as part of Cities United for Immigration Action (CUIA), a coalition that is leading the effort to promote and advance the President’s immigration reforms nationwide. Last year, cities and counties in CUIA – representing 43 million people across the country – filed three friend-of-the-court briefs arguing that the district court judge who blocked implementation of the new immigration programs failed to consider the significant harms to America’s local governments caused by this delay.

As a national advocacy coalition, CUIA stands in support of stronger cities through immigration action. CUIA mayors are shaping the national debate, working together to welcome and embrace new immigrants, and promoting legal and community-based efforts in support of the President’s executive actions on immigration.

For more information on the actions cities are taking, contact CUIA at: www.citiesforaction.us