With rumored ICE activity in metro Atlanta, College Park mayor seeks answers

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — On Tuesday, College Park mayor Bianca Motley Broom said she’s looking for clarity after rumors started swirling that ICE has increased its operations in College Park.

“At this point, we don’t have any communication from officials on the federal level that they’re here. That’s not to say that they aren’t. But I just don’t know at this point,” Motley Broom said.

A post that been shared across social media states, “Just got word that ICE has officially touched down in our region and they aren’t playing around.”

The post says the agency has set up an office in College Park and deployed 75 black Chevy Tahoes. It also says agents are patrolling near Walmart on Cascade Road.

Motley Broom said she’s received several phone calls from concerned community members.

“I would welcome communication with ICE at this point. Because we are hearing rumors, but we don’t have anything actually confirmed,” she said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the City of College Park said it will communicate with the public as it learns more.

“We are committed to complying with all applicable laws while remaining transparent with our residents and businesses,” the statement said. “Our priority is sharing accurate information, dispelling misinformation, and reducing fear within our community.”

Atlanta News First reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security about the authenticity of the posts. A spokesperson for the department did not respond on Tuesday.

Anti-ICE rallies continued across the metro on Tuesday where hundreds of students at Archer High School in Gwinnett County protested during a school walk-out.

On Tuesday in DeKalb County, the board of commissioners deferred a vote until next week calling for ICE to withdraw its officers from the county.

Meanwhile, this past week, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter called for ICE to increase its enforcement activity in metro Atlanta, echoing a similar call he made in November.

Carter pointed to a recent report by the Migration Policy Institute that found there are roughly 479,000 unauthorized immigrants in Georgia. He said this presence is leading to public safety concerns.

“That’s reason for alarm, reason for concern. And that’s why I called and sent the letter to ICE and DHS to request more help and more resources,” Carter said.