Organizations react to ICE raids in DeKalb, Brookhaven

Credit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Leaders across DeKalb County are responding to arrests made Sunday, Jan. 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chamblee, Brookhaven, Doraville, and Lilburn.

Telemundo Atlanta reported on Jan. 26 that ICE officers arrived at a Hispanic church in Doraville and arrested a parishioner.

In the Telemundo article, which was translated from Spanish to English using Google Translate, Luis Ortiz, minister of the Iglesia Fuente de Vida Church on Pleasantdale Road, said that ICE officers detained an immigrant who was attending a religious service.

ICE agents were unable to enter the church because a security system was installed that only allows entry to those who have the access code, intentionally, because they thought a raid could occur, the pastor said.

“That was what prevented the agents from entering the church,” the priest said in statements he gave to Telemundo Atlanta and other local media.

Brookhaven City Council Member John Funny said actions like Sunday’s raids “create fear and instability, jeopardizing the sense of security that every resident deserves. These actions do not reflect the values of Brookhaven, where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is a cornerstone of our identity.”

The Latin American Association (LAA) said it received no warning prior to ICE visiting Brookhaven and Chamblee over the weekend. LAA’s employees are nervous for the clients they serve, said executive director Santiago Marquez. He said the organization, which serves 30,000 people each year from offices in Brookhaven, Norcross, and Dalton, has been preparing community members since December.

“The most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to know your rights,” Marquez said. 

LAA is distributing red cards that state basic rights to know if stopped by a law enforcement officer:

• You have the right to remain silent, and do not have to speak with immigration officers;
• ICE must show a court-ordered document to enter your home or search belongings;
• You have the right to an attorney;
• Talk to an attorney before signing anything;
• Always have your valid U.S. immigration documents, such as a work permit or green card, for identification.

Since 2024, LAA has been helping clients to plan what might happen if they’re in a mixed status family, like undocumented parents who have a U.S.-born child. LAA provides health and wellness, legal, financial, and entrepreneurial services.

“If you have children, make a plan for your children,” he said. “If you are undocumented, limit your activity. Go to work, but be very cautious, and limit your exposure.”

The international corridor is home to We Love Buford Highway, whose executive director Lily Pabian is in active communication with educators, city leaders, residents, families, public safety officials, and business owners.

“We continue to drive community advocacy through education and raising awareness of legal rights and coping methods through these tremendously stressful times being witnessed and experienced by those to whom we serve,” Pabian said. 

“As we learn and organize, we work accordingly through the values of We Love Buford Highway and our vision as trusted coalition-builders to ensure immigrants thrive for the preservation of this corridor,” Pabian said.

Other organizations are bracing themselves for more activity from ICE.

A statement from DeKalb County School District (DCSD) on the possibility of future raids at its schools said it’s committed to the safety and success of all students. 

“In line with federal law, DCSD upholds every child’s right to a public education, complies with legal requirements, and protects student privacy. To better serve our community, DCSD is awaiting additional guidance on immigration issues from federal and state authorities,” the statement read. 

Santiago said while he’s just guessing, he anticipates ICE being in the area again in the near future.

“We just want people to know that we’re still here providing services,” he said. “We have been here for 52 years and hope to be here for another 52.”

City of Brookhaven officials released a statement recognizing the legal complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the importance of national security. 

“We must advocate for humane and just approaches that reflect our shared humanity without marginalizing our already vulnerable populations,” Funny said.

“To our broader community: now is the time to show solidarity and compassion. Reach out to your neighbors, support local businesses, and stand against rhetoric or actions that seek to divide us. Building bridges and fostering understanding are more critical than ever.”

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.