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.
Alex Brandon
/
AP
The Trump administration is reportedly considering making the president's June travel ban applicable to immigrants already in the United States legally.
MORE STORIES
-
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 old Mexican neighborhood called La Colonia in North County got some help with the goal of honoring their dead. An archeologist’s report identified unmarked graves and families say they think they know who’s buried there. -
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is hiring more health workers across the country amid growing outcry over in-custody deaths. -
Reps. Juan Vargas and Scott Peters, both D-San Diego, were refused entry a week ago. On Monday, they were joined by other members of the California congressional delegation. -
The policies set guidelines on permitting federal authorities to enter county facilities, and address people impersonating federal officers. -
The Due Process and Safety Ordinance will set "clear legal boundaries that protect residents, workers, and visitors regardless of immigration status, gender identity, disability, or healthcare decisions," according to a staff document from Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera's office. -
San Diego-area Reps. Juan Vargas and Scott Peters staged a press conference Monday to bring attention to the plight of immigrant detainees held at the downtown federal courthouse. -
Three events were planned for downtown San Diego on Saturday, along with more than a dozen others throughout San Diego County. -
At their regular meeting Tuesday, council members said the benefits of sharing data for crime fighting are worth the risk that it ends up in the hands of federal immigration officials.
Sign up for our newsletters!
Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.
- Trump targets legal immigrants in proposed green card policy
- UC San Diego medical workers begin 2-day strike
- San Diego City Council approves Balboa Park parking passes, event rates
- Trump administration policy change would further limit green cards for travel ban country migrants
- More stormy weather and rain forecasted for San Diego County