MNADV, along with our sister coalitions and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), condemn ICE’s actions, and warns that the implications could be deadly for victims of domestic violence who are undocumented and fear reporting abuse.
In El Paso, TX, a victim of domestic violence was seeking an order of protection from her abusive boyfriend when she was arrested in court by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, acting on a tip regarding her whereabouts. The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), condemn ICE’s actions, and warns that the implications could be deadly for victims of domestic violence who are undocumented and fear reporting abuse.
“Today, ICE officers in El Paso confirmed our worst fears about the administration’s increased and aggressive tactics against immigrants – that survivors of violence will be further silenced and harmed,” said Kim Gandy, NNEDV President and CEO.
Perpetrators of domestic violence often use victims’ undocumented immigration status as a tactic of abuse – threatening to report them to ICE and have them deported, separating them from their citizen children.
“Victims of domestic violence have to feel safe coming forward for protection from abuse or countless victims will go deeper into the shadows, fearing deportation,” said Gandy. “Otherwise perpetrators abuse with impunity and our communities are less safe.”
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Resources for professionals working with undocumented survivors:
- Free Rapid E-Learning – Getting the Facts: Criminal Records in Immigration Cases
Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC) - Upcoming Webinar: Overview of the Citizenship Navigator and text4refugee Projects
Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC) - Guide: “Know Your Rights – A Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement (English & Spanish)”
Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC) - Guide: “Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence – Cultural Challenges and Available Legal Protections”
National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women