By Police1 Staff
WASHINGTON — Fake flyers have appeared around the DC area asking the public to turn in undocumented immigrants.
The flyers state that it’s a felony to harbor, encourage, or help an undocumented immigrant remain in the US. The poster encourages citizens to call ICE with tips about “illegal aliens.”
ICE authorities said on Twitter the flyers were not from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office.
“Just like false reports of immigration checkpoints or random sweeps, notices like these are dangerous and irresponsible,” ICE spokeswoman Carissa Cutrell told Buzzfeed in a statement. “Any person who actively incites panic or fear of law enforcement is doing a disservice to the community, endangering public safety and the very people they claim to support and represent.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor Kevin Donahue both tweeted that the signs weren’t real and citizens should tear them down and throw them in the trash.
“Tear it down! DC is a sanctuary city. Clearly the flyer is meant to scare and divide our residents. We won’t stand for it. #DCValues,” Bowser tweeted.
ICE officials and DC police said they are investigating.