Massachusetts State Rep. Michelle DuBois, a Democrat, used Facebook on Tuesday to warn illegal immigrants of a rumored Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid on Wednesday, advising them to not go out on the streets or open their doors if someone unexpected knocks.
The Democratic lawmaker deleted her post after she came under fire for spreading rumors and allegedly obstructing justice.
DuBois was relaying a tip from her "friend in the Latin community," according to Fox25 in Boston. She quoted the friend's message, writing, "'Please be careful on Wednesday 29. ICE will be in Brockton on that day. If you are undocumented don't go out on the street. If there is a knock on the door of your house and you don't know who it is, don't open the door. I ask you to be careful.'"
She also included a phone number for legal services should anyone get "picked up by ICE."
The state representative also posted an infographic of what an undocumented immigrant should do "if ICE comes to your door."
"Fox and Friends" reported that DuBois was confronted about her statements by a Massachusetts reporter, and was accused of "fear mongering" and "spreading a rumor."
DuBois said she did not believe she was obstructing justice and issued a statement.
"Passing information along that is already all over the community not only lets the people I represent know what is happening. It lets ICE know that everyone in Brockton is aware of their intended raid if there was one," DuBois said.