On January 24, 2018, West Palm Beach became a target of the latest round of threats by the Justice Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) against cities that the agency perceives not to be in full compliance with the letter of the law on immigration issues. The letter received by the city requests that West Palm Beach provide documentation that it is not withholding information about illegal immigrants who may have been taken into custody by law enforcement.

One of Many Cities Targeted

The letter was sent by the U.S. Department of Justice to 23 separate jurisdictions and requires that city officials provide proof that they are providing federally mandated information about individuals in their custody on a variety of charges. If that proof is not forthcoming, the Justice Department has threatened to issue subpoenas to obtain the information requested in the letter. Failure to provide the information and to cooperate with ICE policies may result in the withdrawal of federal grants that provide funding for police departments and other public services in the state of Florida.

A Welcoming City for Immigrants

West Palm Beach enacted a resolution in March of 2017 establishing itself as a welcoming city for immigrants. This means that city officials are prohibited from asking about immigration status or providing help to ICE officials in their investigations. These policies are in line with the general approach taken by sanctuary cities across the U.S.

Protecting Your Legal Right to Remain

Regardless of the outcome of the current situation in the city, individuals and families who are facing issues with ICE should consult with a West Palm Beach immigration lawyer right away to protect their right to remain in the U.S. A qualified West Palm Beach immigration lawyer can offer expert guidance and support to ensure that your case is handled fairly and in accordance with the best practices in the legal profession.

At Pozo Goldstein, we offer the best representation for your immigration case. Our legal team includes a former judge and two former immigration prosecutors, allowing you to feel more confident when entrusting your case to us. Give us a call at 561-578-4977 to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to the opportunity to help you resolve your immigration issues and to stay in the U.S. legally.