SAN ANTONIO, Tx —
Posts warning people of ICE agent sightings have become common on social media. One Facebook user says the reason for the social media warnings is obvious.
“The reason for the post is self-explanatory after what happened to Renee Nicole Good who was shot and killed in Minneapolis.
One Facebook user posted a warning of ICE agents near the 410 and Blanco area, and another post reported an ICE raid near Lovelace and Nacogdoches.
Posts similar to these frequently appear in a popular Facebook group, 210 La Chismosa.
The group’s owner, Cecilia Chavez says the reason for the posts is to prevent panic, misinformation, and unnecessary harm in communities that are already under a lot of stress.
Immigration attorney Erinaldy Agosto says the social media posts are not breaking the law and are protected by the constitution.
“If you’re just saying ICE activity reported near “x” street and “x” point that’s ok,” Agosto said. “If you are making the post to solicit people to do something, or attack the officer, that’s where things get out of hand.”
Agosto also says a post on social media offering to run errands for people wanting to avoid ICE is walking on a thin line of breaking the law because it could be considered helping people evade ICE.
“They are trying to help people, but they are also helping to evade ICE,” Agosto said. “I’d be very careful.”
District 10 city councilman Marc Whyte understands the recent shooting in Minneapolis may have ignited fear her in San Antonio. He urges people to be smart.
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“Remain calm,” Whyte said. “Obey and instructions that any law enforcement official gives you.”