ICE Raids at Walmart?

I received this message yesterday afternoon from a reader.  

Have you heard of (or received) the Walmart-related text messages alerting folks about supposed ICE raids in those stores? I have received several messages since March 7. Some of them claimed that Walmart had given ICE authorization to conduct ICE raids in their stores beginning March 20. One claimed that an ICE raid was taking place at that very moment in a Fremont store. All of them asked for a boycott.

It seems that this rumor stemmed from “A Month Without Wal-Mart” campaign that was launched sometime around March 3 – possibly out of Georgia. Below are some articles. There is also an official statement from Walmart now.

“Group wants Walmart to back immigration reform.” March 03, 2010. http://www.laprensasa.com/2.0/3/309/609328/America-in-English/Group-wants-Walmart-to-back-immigration-reform.html

 “Immigration raid rumors cause panic.” March 10, 2010. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7323659

“Statement on Immigration Text Message Rumors.” March 9, 2010. Updated March 10, 2010. http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/news/9692.aspx

 “Text message hoax: Shop at Walmart and you’ll get deported.” March 11, 2010. http://www.kens5.com/news/Text-message-hoax-Shop-at-Walmart-and-youll-get-deported-87333142.html

 “Texts warn immigrants to stay away from Wal-Mart.” March 11, 2010. http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/87292287.html

KJ