BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Two community demonstrations are planned for Thursday evening following a federal immigration raid that resulted in the detention of 17 individuals.
The raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took place early Wednesday. Agents took into custody workers who were restoring the fire-damaged Five10 Flats apartment building.
The "worksite enforcement operation," led by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations Allentown office and Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia, led to the employees being "encountered, interviewed and arrested for immigration violations and subsequently detained pending removal proceedings," according to an ICE spokesperson.
In response, The Lehigh Valley Emergency Response Network (LVERN) will hold a demonstration at the site at 6 p.m. Thursday.
A separate rally is planned for Bethlehem's City Hall at 7 p.m.
Organizers of the 6 p.m. rally say it will feature speakers, artistic presentations and a call to action in response to the immigration enforcement efforts, which a press release described as "kidnappings."
In the release, LVERN said it condemns the raid and is calling for the immediate release of those detained. The group described the raid as harmful to families and disruptive to the community's recovery efforts following the fire.
"Recent ICE raids are being conducted outside of the legal system and frequently against court orders. This is not law enforcement, these are fear tactics," the release said.
"Immigrants were working there to provide for their families and facilitate a speedy return of displaced residents. The terrorizing of immigrant communities at this work site not only impedes the economic recovery of the surrounding community, it is at odds with everything Bethlehem stands for.
"Recent ICE raids are being conducted outside of the legal system and frequently against court orders. This is not law enforcement, these are fear tactics."LVERN press release
"We believe that all people have a right to due process and a right to work to provide for their families; full stop. Individuals detained in the raid should not sit in private detention facilities far from their homes, they should be returned here to work and live and make the Lehigh Valley a more vibrant place."
Organizers also raised concerns about the legality of recent ICE actions, alleging that some operations are taking place outside the bounds of the legal system and in violation of court orders.
On Wednesday, ICE would not elaborate on the documentation or immigration status of those detained and said no other information would be released due to the ongoing investigation.
LVERN includes local residents, faith leaders, and advocacy groups, including Lehigh Valley Stands Up. They are encouraging public attendance at the demonstration and broader participation in efforts to support affected families through mutual aid and legal advocacy.
Organizers of the 7 p.m. protest at Bethlehem City Hall shared information on social media with a graphic that read, "ICE was seen detaining construction workers and loading them into an unmarked, white bus. We have a duty to protect our community. Come together and let them know they aren't welcome here."
