The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dismissed claims that it is offering monetary rewards to individuals who report undocumented immigrants,Thecable reports.
On January 20, an Instagram user alleged that ICE was offering $750 per illegal immigrant reported through their tip form.
“BREAKING: ICE is allegedly offering $750 per illegal immigrant that you turn in through their tip form,” the post read, also including the ICE hotline number, 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423). The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 8,000 likes within three days.
However, ICE refuted the allegation in a statement issued on Saturday.
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“Contrary to rumors, ICE is not giving a $750 reward for tips in support of civil immigration enforcement objectives,” the agency clarified.
Before his election victory in November, former US President Donald Trump frequently emphasized the need for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, blaming them for rising crime rates and gun violence in the country.
On his first day back in office during his second term, Trump signed several executive orders, prioritizing the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. By Friday, US media outlets reported that the deportation efforts, including the use of military aircraft, had already begun.
Trump also declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border and ordered the deployment of military personnel to bolster border security.
“All illegal entry will immediately be halted. And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” Trump said.
Additionally, Trump announced the reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their US immigration proceedings are ongoing.
