With the White House pushing for mass deportations, fear and uncertainty are growing in the communities of San Diego and Imperial counties. Misinformation is everywhere, and knowing the law and your rights is crucial. Here are some resources to help you stay informed and prepared.
Resources
Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has certain rights under the Constitution.
If ICE or the police approach you at your home, work or school, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Here are some tips from the American Civil Liberties Union.
See more information at the ACLU’s website.
If ICE or the police approach you at your home, work or school, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Here are some tips from the American Civil Liberties Union.
See more information at the ACLU’s website.
- What to do when the police or ICE arrive:
- Stay calm and keep the door closed. Opening the door does not give officers or agents permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to them through the door.
- Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
- Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
- Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
- Don’t lie or produce any false documents. Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first.
- Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If police have such a warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent. If they don’t produce the appropriate warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
- If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
- If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
- What to do if you're arrested or detained
- If you are arrested by the police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer, and should ask for one immediately.
- If you are detained by ICE or Border Patrol, you have the right to hire a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. Ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's “red cards” can help people assert their rights in the instance that ICE agents go to their home or work. Print in English, Spanish and 17 other languages.
Federal agents detained Viktoriia Bulavina, who is married to a U.S. citizen, following a green card interview late last week.
MORE STORIES
-
The U.S. deported just five immigrants from Turkey in the 2024 federal budget year. One Turkish immigrant now fears deportation after being summoned to a San Diego ICE office. -
Refugee green card applications paused; those approved under Biden also to be reviewed. -
Reps. Juan Vargas and Scott Peters, both D-San Diego, were refused entry on Oct. 20. On Oct. 27, they were joined by Sen. Alex Padilla, D- California, Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, and Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Clemente, and were again turned away. -
A network of cameras scans and records vehicle license plate information, and an algorithm flags vehicles deemed suspicious based on where they came from, where they were going, and which route they took. -
Immigrants in California’s newest ICE detention center allege they’re experiencing inhumane conditions and that they’re not getting access to lawyers. Until recently, the site was a state prison. -
The announcement follows harsh criticism from the Trump administration about California and other states granting licenses to people in the country illegally. -
Lawyers and advocates say the Trump administration is essentially rewriting the rules to deny people due process in immigration court. As a result, the number of habeas corpus petitions has skyrocketed in recent months. -
Legally, ICE has to release arrest and detention data. However, because of the government shutdown, that data hasn't been published for months, raising concerns about transparency. -
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is hiring more health workers across the country amid growing outcry over in-custody deaths. -
The policies set guidelines on permitting federal authorities to enter county facilities, and address people impersonating federal officers.
Sign up for our newsletters!
Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.
- ICE detains Ukrainian wife of US citizen following green card interview
- After multiple delays, state housing law could clear a path forward for Midway Rising development
- Marigold Bagels finally opens its North Park storefront
- The 21 best restaurants and bars in San Diego for 2025, chosen by KPBS Staff
- AG Bonta warns Del Mar could face penalties over stalled affordable housing proposal