False Reports of ICE Performing Immigration Sweeps at a Supermarket Chain in L.A. Go Viral During Wildfire Panic

False reports of immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles have been spreading rapidly on social media during the last few days, exacerbating fears amid violent wildfires and evacuation confusion that has engulfed the region.

One of the most noteworthy reports was a message which falsely claimed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were conducting raids in South L.A. neighborhoods and nearby cities, including Pasadena and Inglewood. The same piece of news also alleged that immigration sweeps were taking place at WinCo Foods stores, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was forced to clarify through a statement that no large-scale enforcement actions were occurring in Southern California and emphasized its policy of avoiding immigration enforcement at protected areas during emergencies:

"To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones"

The statement also went on to explain that "DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status."

These incidents occurred as Los Angeles County residents face ongoing wildfires that have destroyed homes and disrupted lives. Erroneous emergency alerts and social media misinformation added to the uncertainty, aggravated even more by the worries many immigrants are facing at the moment as the threat of mass deportation looms large.

"It's not only the migrants that could be affected by the panic, but the general public could be confused by the purported presents of ICE or other enforcement authorities, and be confused about how to react and what to do," explains Human Rights and national security lawyer Irina Tsukerman to The Latin Times. "It's a major distraction from focusing on calm evacuations and structured responses to wildfires, and creates additional worries and dimensions to a complex situation - amidst an apparent chaos."

Tsukerman also explained that "false claims, such as exaggerated reports of danger or scarcity of resources (e.g., food, medicine, or shelter), can induce unnecessary panic, leading to hoarding behaviors, overcrowding, or mass evacuations, which might exacerbate the situation."

Finally, Tsukerman believes that prevention for these scenarios should has to come from policymakers: "it's crucial to promote media literacy, provide clear and transparent communication from trusted sources, and encourage the public to verify information before sharing it in times of crisis."