LAS VEGAS - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid summoned officials from the Department of Homeland Security Tuesday night to address community concerns about immigration raids. But, authorities prevented cameras from entering the room.
It was supposed to be a private, invitation-only event. But, that didn't sit well with some people who camped outside the event and banged on the door.
8 News NOW gained access without a camera. Residents inside complained about two local bus station raids in July. Authorities apprehended dozens of people. While they arrested 31 suspected illegal immigrants, agents found no human trafficking victims and no narcotics.
Federal officials at Tuesday's meeting told residents bad information led to the operation at Las Vegas Shuttles and that the operation was based on some faulty intelligence.
Emmanuel Corrales owns Las Vegas Shuttles. "These people were doing racial profiling," Corrales said. "Anybody here in this country (who) is from another color other than white is going to understand their frustration."
"I was quite shocked to find out the whole operation was based on faulty information, and that they were looking for drug dealers and human traffickers," said immigration activist Malena Burnett.
Burnett says she wants the fear that comes with the raids to stop. "It creates panic in the community. People don't go to church. They don't go to breakfasts. They don't go to lunches or out to dinner, because they're afraid," she said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it does not engage in racial profiling. None of the officials from the Department of Homeland Security, including the chief patrol agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, were available for comment.
