ICE Operation Mega, September 17, 2017, Except in field office areas impacted by hurricanes.

On the evening of Thursday, September 8th, NBC News reported that Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) had plans to conduct a mass nationwide immigration enforcement operation from mid- to late- September known internally as “Operation Mega.” NBC reported that the series of sweeps – “the largest operation of its kind in the history of ICE,” according to an internal document – was set to take place over five days beginning on Sept. 17th.

After NBC News reported ICE’s plans, ICE issued the following public statement late Thursday evening:

While we generally do not comment on future potential law enforcement actions, operational plans are subject to change based on a variety of factors. Due to the current weather situation in Florida and other potentially impacted areas, along with the ongoing recovery in Texas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had already reviewed all upcoming operations and has adjusted accordingly. There is currently no coordinated nationwide operation planned at this time. The priority in the affected areas should remain focused on life-saving and life-sustaining activities.

For the safety and security of our communities, ICE fugitive operations teams will continue to target and arrest criminal aliens and other individuals who are in violation of our nation’s immigration laws, in non-affected areas of the country, as part of routine operations. (emphasis added).

Does “no coordinated nationwide operation” mean ‘less than nationwide’ proceeds? We are uncertain that ICE cancelled “Operation Mega” (except in the impacted areas). Be cautious. Individual ICE field offices may proceed with this large-scale operation, with the exception of the field offices in hurricane-impacted areas.