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.
Courtesy of San Diego County
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The board authorized county officials to negotiate with the Mexican Consulate on legal services for those who face removal from the United States for being here illegally.
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The first seizure was on April 7, when officers referred a 51-year-old Mexican national driving a Toyota Prius for a secondary inspection. During the inspection, a CBP canine team alerted to the vehicle, and agents allegedly found 124 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $2.4 million in 44 packages concealed in the doors, back seat and rear quarter panels of the car. -
The Atlanta immigration court in Georgia reopened her case and ordered her to appear in person within days of receiving the notice despite her case being administratively closed in 2014. Valladares said she was not provided a reason for her case being reopened. -
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For much of our history, the U.S. has touted itself as a shining example of a place where different cultures happily coexist. But how does that portrayal line up with the facts? -
This month, the Trump administration ended CalFresh nutrition assistance eligibility for many immigrant groups, including asylees and refugees. The cuts apply to nearly 13,000 San Diego County residents. -
The debate about who should, or should not, be a citizen of the United States has deep roots, and California is a prime case study. -
Reps. Sara Jacobs and Mike Levin say their offices have received complaints about detainees’ access to medical care and fresh food. -
A federal judge rules that the Border Patrol again broke the rules in California immigration sweeps, saying agents acted “without considering or complying with law Congress enacted.” -
Volunteers said they would continue accompanying migrants to hearings and interviews despite increased restrictions in recent weeks. -
The nearly threefold jump is almost entirely due to an increase in federal warrants for jailed immigrants from ICE. Advocates renewed calls for Sheriff Kelly Martinez to end the practice.
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