ICE raids shatter perception of Puerto Rico as a sanctuary for immigrants

For decades, undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. territory without fear of arrest. Then, on Jan. 26, large-scale arrests began.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Pastor Nilka Marrero will slam her hand on the table, raise her voice and, if needed, shake her parishioners while playing the role of a federal agent.

Many of her parishioners are undocumented immigrants, and she believes that role-playing with them can help prepare them for the threat of arrest as authorities step up immigration raids to a scale never before seen in Puerto Rico.

“They appear and snatch people,” Marrero said.

For decades, undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. territory without fear of arrest. They’re allowed to open bank accounts and obtain a special driver’s license. Many have felt safe enough to open their own businesses.

Then, on Jan. 26, large-scale arrests began.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/ice-raids-puerto-rico-shatter-immigrant-sanctuary-rcna197474

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