FOLLOWING President Donald Trump’s executive orders on ending birthright citizenship and other immigration issues, rumors have circulated about raids and arrests of undocumented and overstaying foreigners in the CNMI.
Recently, a photo circulated on social media, supposedly showing ICE agents arresting an “overstayer,” which sparked further speculation.
When asked on Thursday about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the CNMI, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said he was not aware of any such operations in the Commonwealth.
“I haven’t been briefed by ICE or any immigration office regarding any raid,” he said.
The Department of Public Safety, for its part, said it is not involved in a task force with ICE to apprehend and detain individuals who have overstayed their visas.
“Not true,” Assistant Chief of Police Simon Manacop said.
According to the governor, the CNMI government is “not in a position” to intervene in enforcement matters with the federal authorities.
“But I would hope that there would be some communication when they decide to conduct enforcement actions and raids,” Palacios added.
A federal agent, who declined to be identified, told Variety, “I don’t know why anyone would panic. Are they criminally charged?”
