Amid rumblings and fear of a larger presence from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Southern Nevada this week, attorneys and immigration groups are urging people to plan ahead but not to panic.

The Nevada Immigration Coalition hosted a virtual press conference Monday to address the concerns they are hearing in the community. 

Numerous immigration attorneys told coalition members that they’ve heard there are “expanded and ongoing ICE activities this week in Las Vegas,” said Laura Martin, the executive director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada.

“ICE raids have a devastating impact not only on the detained person but their families, businesses and communities as a whole,” Martin said. “Immigrants in Nevada are the backbone of Nevada’s community and economy. ICE enforcement actions ripple through the schools, churches and businesses we attend.”