State Representative Eric Bell of Jonesboro issued an updated statement regarding an alleged incident involving ICE agents in Riverdale, Georgia. Bell clarified a previous error where he mistakenly reported that detentions occurred at a Walmart instead of the actual location, which was a Home Depot in Riverdale.
In his statement, Bell expressed regret for the confusion and acknowledged responsibility for the mistake. He also reiterated his criticism of Walmart’s labor practices but emphasized that the real issue is the actions taken by ICE on Monday. According to eyewitnesses, both Latino and Black individuals were forcibly detained by masked agents in paramilitary-style gear. Bell highlighted the lack of information provided to local authorities about those taken into custody.
Herman “Drew” Andrews, Clayton County Democratic Chair, found a cell phone and backpack left at the scene. The phone received calls from French-speaking individuals seeking someone named Muhammad, including one call from Senegal.
Bell invoked Anne Frank’s words to describe the situation: “Terrible things are happening outside. Poor, helpless people are being dragged out their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women and children are separated. Children come home from school to find their parents have disappeared.”
Bell concluded with a call for justice and peace and outlined steps such as introducing legislation and coordinating with law enforcement to address the issue. He also provided resources for understanding rights when interacting with immigration officials:
– CASA: Know Your Rights
– Informed Immigrant
– Unidos Georgia
– ACLU: Know Your Rights – Immigrants’ Rights
He urged community members to stay alert, organized, loved, and engaged in the fight.
