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.
Four activists were briefly detained and issued citations for loitering. They say it is a ratcheting up of intimidation by the Trump administration.
MORE STORIES
-
Southern California residents are noticing new license plate readers that appear to be operated by the Border Patrol. Some have had confusing encounters with agents. -
A policy memo issued by the Department of Homeland Security last week says refugees who haven’t applied for a green card within one year of arriving in the U.S. can be detained. -
Despite hundreds of residents voicing their opposition to a contract with ICE to share the use of a police firing range, the Escondido City Council declined to cancel the agreement during a five-hour meeting on Wednesday night. -
Scientists and conservationists are advocating for solutions to keep habitats connected. -
This month, ICE officials said Luis Beltrán Yañez-Cruz and Huabing Xie both suffered sudden heart complications. -
Chaos erupted Sunday throughout Mexico after members of the Mexican military killed the leader of one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels near the city of Guadalajara. But there were no incidents reported on Monday in Tijuana. -
California has funded immigrant legal defense against deportation for a decade. Now, more cities and counties are kicking in money, too. -
Friday’s inspection by county officials was supposed to be the first of its kind in California. Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer said she will sue the Trump administration over the denied access. -
San Diego has not seen the surges in deportation forces like in Minneapolis and a few other cities. But federal agents have arrested thousands of San Diegans. -
The partial shutdown began Saturday after lawmakers failed to agree on a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security.
Sign up for our newsletters!
Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.
- How new border wall barriers are dividing bighorn sheep from resources
- New Trump administration policy puts refugees living in San Diego at risk of detention
- Tax on 'empty second homes' in San Diego appears headed to June 2 ballot
- San Diego’s utility company earned $563 million in profits in 2025 after costly regulatory decision
- Mexican filmmakers aren't waiting for Hollywood — they're making movies now