Immigration-related arrests by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have led to a surge in abandoned pets and belongings. Since June, the number of such incidents has spiked as the White House pursues a tough stance on deportations.
According to ICE, they do not impound property, but reports indicate that officials have been picking up belongings, often leaving them behind. For example, in Ontario, California, a pair of gardeners were detained while cutting grass, and their lawnmower was left running on the front lawn. Their phones and other belongings were thrown into the car with the keys, before they were taken away.
The possessions left behind are vulnerable to theft, prompting fears for the safety of these items. However, activists have taken it upon themselves to collect property and return it to family members. In Palm Beach County, Animal Care and Control has seen an influx of 19 pets that were surrendered as a result of immigration detention. The trend is being closely monitored by animal welfare organizations and law enforcement agencies.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/pets-abandoned-after-migrants-disappear-into-ice-custody