A New York-based non-profit is under investigation for allegedly training undocumented immigrants how to evade deportation.
The Gothamist reports the Republican-led House Committee on Homeland Security is investigating the Chinese American Planning Council for using taxpayer funds on how to instruct students on avoiding arrest by ICE agents.
In a letter to Planning Council CEO Wayne Ho, the Committee says it has undercover video of instructors “explaining strategies for avoiding and potentially impeding immigration officials.”
The letter states that about 55% of the Council’s funding comes from federal and state grants.
“Our trainings help community members better understand their rights on a range of services, including education, healthcare, employment, housing, immigration, and more,” Ho said to City & State. “CPC fully adheres to all laws. Our trainings do not direct anyone to do anything or to evade the law, but rather to inform participants of their constitutional rights which they may choose to exercise.”
The House committee obtained the undercover video from the right-wing Oversight Project.
The Republicans have targeted efforts to explain to immigrants their constitutional rights. Most recently, they criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for holding such a session and advising immigrants they do not need to open the door for ICE agents.
She responded to the Republicans by advising them to read the constitution.
Maybe he can learn to read. The Constitution would be a good place to start,” she said, according to Newsweek.
