ICE roundups canceled nationwide after Trump tweet

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - The second half of the weekend brings a sigh of relief for many undocumented Bay Area residents.

This, after President Donald Trump delayed a planned ICE round-up.

The move gives congressional lawmakers two weeks to try and broker a deal to secure the Southern border.

But the specter of separating families and mass deportations is still on the table, just not this weekend.

Mr. Trump seemed to move towards Washington diplomacy.

But where policy mixes with people’s emotions, there is skepticism and hope promised raids will never happen.

In Oakland’s Fruitvale District, a trio of rappers strike poses for album artwork.

Their collective abilities to rhyme pales in comparison to the reactions generated by President Trumps abrupt reversal on mass deportations this weekend.

“Everybody out here on they toes. Even though they called it off, that don’t mean they can’t come back,” said rapper Young Chop.

Saturday, Mr. Trump used Twitter to reverse course saying, “At the request of Democrats I have delayed the Illegal immigration Removal Process (Deportation) for two weeks to see if the Democrats and Republicans can get together and work out a solution to the Asylum and Loophole problems at the Southern Border. If not, Deportations start!”

“This cruel political football this president has engaged in is outrageous,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf responded angrily while attending a community function at the Port of Oakland.

The Chief Executive’s about-face is a byproduct of a phone call from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The top Democrat reached out Friday, asking for the delay, then took to Twitter, saying, “Mister President, delay is welcome. Time is need for comprehensive immigration reform. Families belong together.”

The concept of family separation keeps many undocumented residents in the shadows.

A man who talked to Fox 2 in the parking lot of a Fruitvale District restaurant says he’s lived in Oakland since childhood.

He did not want his name used in this report, because of deportation fears.

“It’s a very nervous situation for all the families and myself, that don’t have legal status in this country. So we are actually relieved,” he said.

Some local politicians say the president should focus on economic empowerment and a path to citizenship, instead of deportation threats.

“We ought to create a system, and we used to call it an amnesty system that Ronald Reagan a republican president established, and promote it. And allow for us to promote the citizenship. Citizenship leads to voting,” said Noel Gallo, an Oakland city councilman for the 5th district.

For now, the vexing question working its way on the streets: How will two parties to reach a deal, before the president’s two week extension expires?

“He need to hold if off for good, that’s what I think,” said Menlo Park-based rapper King Cydal. Added Young Chop, “...Out of all these immigrants out here, you might never know. It might be the door they kicking down might be your door.”

Fox 2 called and texted California Republican Party leaders to get their reaction to the deportation delay, but have not as yet heard back.

The uneasiness felt this weekend could return when the extension ends, Just after the Fourth of July holiday.