Immigrant Song

In light of the recent crackdown on illegal (and the occasional legal) immigrants, San Francisco officials are throwing down the gauntlet and telling everyone that that ain't happening here. Yesterday, at a meeting in the Mission, Gavin reitererated the fact that this is a Sanctuary City which means, essentially, that we won't do anything to illegal immigrants. The measure is non-binding and doesn't really mean much, but it does give us the appearance of something legal. Gavin also added that there really isn't anything he could do to stop the Feds from doing something, but he won't allow city officials to do anything. His statement has the support of Mark Leno, Carole Migden and Police Chief Heather Fong.

What's been happening is the INS has been cracking down on immigrants throughout the Bay Area. It seems to be really willy-nilly to as they've been pretty much sweeping people up in nets regardless of whether they're legal or not. Or whether they are with their family. As a result, some people have been sent back while the rest of the families are still here. The sweeps have been so frequent and so all encompassing that local officials are saying that many people are afraid too leave their houses for fear of being caught in one of the raids.

The issue has galvanized local minority populations and has resulted in various marches and protests throughout the Bay Area. Including one by the Minutemen.