Meta Removes Facebook page Tracking ICE Agents in Chicago Amidst Heightened Tensions
CHICAGO – meta has removed a facebook page used to track the location of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during operations in Chicago, following pressure from the Department of Justice. The move comes as ICE activity in the city has increased and as local officials have taken steps to limit the agency’s access to city resources.
According to a statement from the Department of Justice, “The wave of violence against ICE has been fueled by online applications and social media campaigns designed to put ICE agents at risk simply for doing their jobs…We will continue to collaborate with technology companies to eliminate platforms where radicals can incite imminent violence against federal law enforcement.”
Meta joins apple and Google,which previously blocked the download of applications alerting immigrants to ICE activity. The deleted Facebook page was one tool used to disseminate real-time location facts of ICE agents while they were conducting detentions.
The developments occur against a backdrop of escalating conflict between federal authorities and Chicago city officials. Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order prohibiting ICE agents from using city property to carry out deportation operations.
“We will not tolerate ICE agents violating the constitutional rights of our residents nor will we allow the federal government to ignore our local authority,” Johnson stated. “With this Executive Order, Chicago remains firm in protecting the constitutional rights of our residents and immigrant communities and in defending our democracy.”
The White House responded to Johnson’s order, criticizing what it termed the ”Democrats’ lunatic sanctuary agenda,” and asserting that “Protecting the most depraved and violent illegal immigrants from justice…is a perilous intensification of the Democrats’ lunatic ‘sanctuary’ agenda, where criminal illegal immigrants are above American citizens.”
Recent reports also indicate concerns among Chicago teachers that increased immigration enforcement measures near schools are causing distress to students and disrupting classes. Additionally,federal authorities have accused a gang member of plotting to assassinate a Border Patrol chief in chicago.