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.
Their demand comes in response to President Trump’s refusal earlier this month to renew the trade deal.
MORE STORIES
-
At the Otay Mesa Detention Center, dozens of detainees gather around the facility’s four televisions to watch the games. While Mexico is the most popular team, other detainees have adopted a surprising nation as their second choice. -
A growing number of state and local officials are backing a bill to end a long-running tax break for the immigration detention facility, which was revealed by a KPBS investigation earlier this year. -
CoreCivic said it anticipates that the sale of the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego County and the California City Detention Facility in Kern County will bring the company an estimated net proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion. -
Without a long-term trade deal in place, businesses are subject to annual trade reviews that could change the cost of certain imports and exports in a given year. Local business leaders fear that level of regulatory uncertainty may drive investment out of the region. -
Thousands of miles from homes, folks in the Filipino diaspora have formed regional associations to maintain cultural and Catholic roots. -
The new state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed includes $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system, a program meant to bring the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law. -
The high court ruled on three immigration related cases. Justices decided against immigrants in the asylum case and one involving migrants with Temporary Protected Status. They upheld birthright citizenship on Tuesday. -
Amid immigrant detainee health concerns, Congress and San Diego County want more access and oversight at an ICE facility in Otay Mesa. -
Over the past decade, Tijuana’s growing Haitian community has become a part of the city’s fabric. -
Officials visit Oceanside’s Pure Water facility to learn about how the city created a local water supply for its residents.
Sign up for our newsletters!
Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.
- Report: Hegseth torpedoed trailblazing San Diego admiral's promotion
- DACA recipients are losing their protected status due to lengthy administrative delays
- How can California reduce wildfire severity? A new state plan looks at efforts along I-8
- Temecula City Council, planning group pass resolutions expressing concern over SDG&E power line projects
- Top 10 arts events in San Diego this weekend: Skateboarding at the border, 'Final Fantasy' and Pride