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.
Larry Valenzuela
/
CalMatters/CatchLight Local
California Democrats introduced legislation to restore Medi-Cal for all income-qualifying residents of any age, including undocumented immigrants. Gov. Newsom scaled back that program because of state budget deficits.
MORE STORIES
-
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol, is using a broad web of surveillance tools — purchased as its budget has ballooned under this administration — to monitor, apprehend and intimidate the people it seeks to deport and the U.S. citizens critical of its policies. -
California Senator Alex Padilla said despite court orders, the Department of Homeland Security continues to refuse members of Congress unannounced oversight visits. -
After a long, and often emotional, meeting, the majority of the Escondido City Council opted to continue a contract letting federal immigration officers train at a city-owned firing range. -
The U.S. State Department says it will pay up to $10 million for information leading to the arrests or convictions of two brothers identified as leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel in the state of Baja California, which includes Tijuana. -
Four activists were briefly detained and issued citations for loitering. They say it is a ratcheting up of intimidation by the Trump administration. -
Residents in South San Diego said they also deserve a rapid response from the federal government after President Trump declares the Potomac collapse an emergency. -
On Saturday, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations unit from San Diego intercepted three vessels carrying 36 people near San Clemente Island, according to the agency. -
Facing pressure from the Trump administration, California tried to revoke more than 20,000 trucking licenses from certain immigrants, including many asylum seekers. In a tentative ruling, a Bay Area judge said these drivers should be able to keep their licenses, at least temporarily. -
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.
Sign up for our newsletters!
Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.
- Why your San Diego electric bill is so high right now
- ICE arrests of children in San Diego region skyrocketed in 2025, records show
- Oil prices jump and markets slide as Iran names new supreme leader and digs in
- California has 40,000 affordable housing units ready to break ground. One setback is holding them up
- Epstein paid for a conference of top scientists in 2006. His motives are now clear