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.
Last week, KPBS offered subscribers of our new Spanish-language WhatsApp channel, Línea Directa, the opportunity to have their questions about the U.S. citizenship and naturalization process answered.
MORE STORIES
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A Los Angeles judge ruled federal immigration agents likely violated the Constitution by not assessing flight risk when making warrantless arrests. -
The facility waited three weeks to report the possible case, instead of the single day required by California law, county officials said. -
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading a coalition of 21 other states, said the rule would force needy immigrant families to choose between seeking assistance and seeking legal status in the country. -
Luna de la Fuente initially charged $1,400 to complete and submit immigration forms, according to the State Bar of California. -
Migrant children are being held at detention facilities longer than the three-day target set by longstanding government policy despite fewer encounters with families at the U.S.-Mexico border. -
One person was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents near San Diego City College on Wednesday, while another person was pursued by agents onto the campus, according to the San Diego Community College District. -
Dozens of people came together Thursday to speak out against recent immigrations arrests in San Diego they say are targeting the Haitian community. -
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's San Diego Field Office advised motorists of a brief pause in northbound traffic operations at land ports of entry Friday morning to observe the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. -
Some students are expressing fear about attending class because of the incident. Some are considering dropping out. -
The New River flows 60 miles from Baja California through Imperial County into the Salton Sea, carrying treated sewage and waste from industrial and agricultural sectors.
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