SAN FRANCISCO, July 12 (xinhua) -- U.S. San Francisco Mayor London Breed Friday denounced the federal government for reportedly upcoming raids on undocumented immigrants in the Bay Area and other U.S. cities, which are expected to start on Sunday.
"It is unconscionable that the Federal administration is continuing to target innocent immigrant families with raids that are designed to inflict as much fear and pain as possible," said Breed.
"Here in San Francisco, we will always demonstrate our values of diversity and inclusiveness by being a sanctuary city that stands up for all our residents and neighbors," she added.
Media reports have disclosed that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will begin the round-up operations in 10 U.S. cities, including San Francisco, over the weekend.
Breed was joined by California Assemblymember David Chiu, other city leaders, and immigration rights advocates in expressing their support for immigrants living in San Francisco.
"We are in this together, and we will get through this together," she said in a tweet later.
The mayor advised people to exercise their right to remain silent when they are arrested.
"You have the right to an attorney. Remember, immigrant agents generally need a judicial warrant to enter your home," she suggested. "We want our entire community to be prepared and know their rights."
Echoing Breed's call, Assemblyman Chiu asked San Francisco residents to report any raid that they would see to "keep others safe."
"As the Trump Administration and ICE once again target our immigrant communities in California, we all must remain vigilant," he said.
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said tearing apart families does not make America safer.
"It does the opposite. It is cruel. It is un-American, and it is simply wrong. We are a nation of immigrants and a country of laws. Deporting someone without giving them an actual opportunity to make their case is not justice," Herrera noted.
"San Francisco supports all of its communities, particularly hard-working families fleeing violence and oppression," said the city attorney.
President Donal Trump ordered last month to enforce an ICE plan to net up to 2,000 migrant families facing deportation orders in U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Francisco.
However, Trump announced on June 22 that he will delay the sweep for two weeks until after the July 4 national holiday of Independence Day.
