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.
Detainees at the facility have reportedly thrown notes wrapped around lotion bottles and batteries describing substandard food and living conditions.
MORE STORIES
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At a San Diego press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted California’s drug enforcement efforts, while criticizing President Trump’s immigration crackdowns. -
KPBS brought together a panel of journalists and policy experts to answer Reddit users' questions about federal immigration policy under President Donald Trump. -
After two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by his immigration agents in Minneapolis, Greg Bovino was removed as commander at large and is reportedly set to return to prior Border Patrol sector in Imperial County. -
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Some local small businesses in are donating Friday proceeds to support immigration advocacy groups -
Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellen said he's concerned the brutal tactics seen in Minneapolis will be coming back with Bovino. -
California’s top judge wants to deter immigration agents from making arrests in courthouses, a practice that she says instills fear in witnesses and litigants. -
Federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have access to the SANDAG database known as ARJIS. But the local agency has no authority to audit their use. -
With immigration arrests increasing, San Diego is bracing for an even bigger crackdown. -
Since President Donald Trump was sworn in, nearly 5,000 people have been arrested by ICE in San Diego and Imperial counties.
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