Connecticut officials say ICE has made hundreds of immigration arrests across the state in the past week, including more than 70 in Danbury alone, prompting a Monday press conference from Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, and state Rep. Farley Santos.
The Numbers
Blumenthal estimated the statewide total in the hundreds, while Danbury’s mayor said local arrests already exceeded 70 and could be higher. ICE has not provided arrest numbers to local officials.
What Officials Are Saying
“The goal is to create terror,” Blumenthal said, criticizing ICE for conducting raids “with masks, with excessive brutality, without any accountability.” He said residents reported “fear and apprehension” and that local restaurant business has dropped “because people are afraid to come to work or go to restaurants.”
DHS Response
The Department of Homeland Security has denied allegations of wrongdoing in the Danbury operations.
