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.
Matthew Bowler
San Diego and Imperial County leaders each made their case for state bond money Tuesday to the State Water Resources Control Board.
MORE STORIES
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Council members rejected a resolution saying the city would support federal deportation efforts and also follow state law forbidding local police from cooperating with federal agents. -
President Donald Trump has signed 10 executive orders on immigration and issued a slew of edicts to carry out promises of mass deportations and border security. Some actions were felt immediately. -
President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency on the border with Mexico, saying “America’s sovereignty is under attack.” Active-duty military arrived Thursday in San Diego and El Paso, Texas. -
Sailors and Marines from Camp Pendleton are among 1,500 troops deployed all along the border under an executive order from President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency at the southern border. -
Shortly after being sworn in for his second term, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, set plans in motion to deploy troops there and vowed to deport millions of people living in the U.S. without legal status. -
Migrants in Mexico who were hoping to come to the U.S. are adjusting to a new and uncertain reality after President Donald Trump began cracking down on border security. -
U.S. officials say active duty military troops are arriving in El Paso, Texas, and in San Diego on Thursday evening. -
President Donald Trump's executive order halting the U.S. refugee system effective Jan. 27 has already canceled travel for refugees previously vetted and approved for asylum. -
San Diego Unified School District officials on Wednesday said they will continue to protect the district's students from immigration enforcement, despite any actions taken by the Trump administration. -
The Laken Riley Act would make it easier for federal immigration officials to detain and deport those without legal status who are charged with specific crimes.
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