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.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson
/
AP
The Justice Department is threatening California with possible legal action over what it says are noncitizens believed to have received mail ballots for next month’s midterm elections
MORE STORIES
-
A KPBS investigation earlier this year found the nonprofit owner of the Imperial Regional Detention Facility had avoided millions in taxes by operating as a charity. -
Bomb technicians responded to the scene and police announced around 11 a.m. that the item had been cleared and the border crossing was reopened. -
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. -
Many now find themselves without the ability to work legally and are at risk of detention and deportation. -
Local and state Democratic leaders Wednesday sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding he end Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near schools. -
Last week, Renatho Casseus was attending classes at San Diego City College like any other student. Now, he’s being held in a building surrounded by barbed-wire fences. -
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.
Sign up for our newsletters!
Keep up with all the latest news, arts and culture, and TV highlights from KPBS.
LATEST IN PODCASTS
- San Diego activists respond to reports of ICE enforcement surge
- Gavin Newsom backs measure to kill the billionaire tax and ban future wealth taxes
- San Diego County sees early rise in flu hospitalizations and deaths
- CSU San Marcos students speak out following series of reported campus rapes this semester
- San Diego storm clears out, high surf and coastal flood warnings linger