ATLANTA — In response to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the ACLU of Georgia issues the following statement about deploying legal observers:
“The ACLU of Georgia has deployed peaceful, trained legal observers to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to help protect the rights of people speaking out about the recent addition of ICE agents to airports across the country. Legal observers serve as independent witnesses, providing an extra set of eyes and ears on the ground to document interactions with law enforcement and help ensure that people can exercise their First Amendment rights safely. The expanded and highly visible presence of ICE officers at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints is unusual, may not effectively address current operational challenges, and risks increasing tension and concern among travelers.”
While city officials have said federal agents at the airport are not intending to carry out immigration enforcement, the presence of ICE agents understandably raises concerns for many community members.
Our role is to observe, not interfere. Legal observers help foster transparency and reassurance by documenting events and supporting the community.
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