Immigration and civil rights activists have issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida. Recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have prompted this recommendation for people of color and immigrants who may be traveling to the state. The number of arrests and detentions by ICE in Florida increased by 75 percent in 2017 over 2016. This has presented real difficulties for immigrants living in Orlando and throughout the state.
Avoiding Greyhound Stations and Airports
Because ICE has recently been demanding papers from individuals riding on Greyhound buses in the state of Florida, the travel advisory recommends avoiding bus stations, ports and airports in the area. This follows two high-profile arrests of immigrants who were pulled off buses and detained for deportation in an action by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents on behalf of ICE.
Proceeding with Caution
Persons of color are especially at risk for harassment and detention by ICE. Failure to carry passports, visas and birth certificates could result in arrest even for those in the country legally. Working with a qualified and knowledgeable Orlando immigration lawyer to resolve any issues with visas or legal residency can provide some protection against these actions by ICE. According to the Florida Immigrant Coalition, the Florida Women’s March and the Council of American-Islamic Relations Florida, however, the entire state could be a danger zone for immigrants traveling to see family members, vacationing or doing business in Florida.
At Pozo Goldstein, we offer comprehensive legal support for immigration issues in Orlando and the surrounding areas. If you need the help of an experienced Orlando immigration lawyer, we can provide you with the accrued expertise of two former immigration prosecutors and a former judge in this field of law. This can help you resolve your issues quickly and effectively to protect yourself and your family from adverse actions by ICE and other federal agencies. Give us a call today at 407-956-4359. We look forward to the chance to set up a free in-office consultation with you.
