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A Massachusetts lawmaker posted an online warning to illegal immigrants about an upcoming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "raid" in the area.
State Rep. Michelle DuBois (D) suggested in a since-deleted Facebook post that undocumented immigrants in Brockton "stay off the streets" and not answer if someone unexpected knocks on the door.
She also included a phone number for anyone "picked up by ICE" to call to get legal services.
DuBois said she received a tip-off about the "raid" from a friend in the Latino community.
The post set off a firestorm of responses, but DuBois insists she did nothing wrong.
“Passing information along that is already all over the community not only lets the people I represent know what is happening. It lets ICE know that everyone in Brockton is aware of their intended raid if there was one,” DuBois said in a statement.
Asked whether she thought the post could be construed as obstructing justice, she replied, “No, I don’t.”
ICE said it does not release information regarding future operations and does not conduct random sweeps, checkpoints or raids.
“Any person who actively incites panic or fear of law enforcement is doing a disservice to the community, endangering public safety and the very people they claim to support and represent,” ICE spokesman Shawn Neudauer said.
Watch the "Happening Now" report above.
On Wednesday afternoon, a Massachusetts sheriff told Congress that he believes elected leaders of sanctuary cities should be arrested.