Federal authorities promise escalated immigration enforcement in Los Angeles daily, here's what you should know about your legal rights.
The Immigration Raids Explained: Know Your Rights in California
As immigration raids intensify across Southern California, it's essential to understand your rights. Here's a rundown of what to do if ICE agents knock on your door or show up at your workplace.
In the recent series of high-profile immigration enforcement actions, federal agents have made arrests in various locations, from popular restaurants to underground nightclubs. With more raids on the horizon, we've compiled a guide for employees and employers to navigate these challenging situations.
What to do if ICE comes knocking
At Home
- If you hear a knock at the door, check your windows, security camera, or peephole to identify if ICE agents are outside.
- If you find yourself in this situation, keep your door closed and locked, advises advocacy groups and legal experts.
- Agents must identify themselves and show you the warrant by putting it against the window or slipping it under your door. A valid warrant must be:
- Issued by a court
- Have the correct name and address of the person being seized
- Signed by a judge or magistrate judge
- If you're unsure, take a moment to gather yourself. You have the right to remain silent until you consult with a lawyer. Show the agent a Red Card to help explain your rights. Red Cards can be downloaded from the website for the Immigration Legal Resource Center.
- If ICE agents enter your home without consent, you have the right to say, "I do not consent to this entry or search." Don't physically resist. Instead, document the incident by noting officers' names, badge numbers, details of their actions, and contacting any present witnesses.
- After agents have left, reach out to a legal representative for guidance.
At Work
- If ICE agents approach you at work, you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions or sign documents. Show the agent your Red Card, which you can find on the Immigration Legal Resource Center's website.
- If ICE agents want to conduct a search of you or your belongings, you have the right to refuse by saying you do not consent.
- You can ask, "Am I free to leave?" If the agent says yes, calmly walk away.
- You may record interactions to document any violations of your rights.
Pending California Legislation
California law already limits police cooperation with ICE, and pending legislation seeks to further restrict ICE agents from entering nonpublic areas of schools and hospitals without a warrant.
Community Resources
Organizations such as the ACLU, CHIRLA, and others provide “know your rights” information, hotlines, and legal support to individuals during and after ICE operations. Remember, you have rights, and it pays to educate yourself about them.
- Amidst the escalating immigration raids in Los Angeles, California, it's crucial for residents to comprehend their rights during such encounters.
- In case ICE agents appear at your residence, it's advised to verify their identity by checking the warrant they present, ensuring it's issued by a court, has the correct name and address, and is signed by a judge or magistrate judge.
- If you're uncertain about the warrant, take the time to consult with a lawyer before divulging any information to the agents.
- In the event of a home visit, you have the right to remain silent and can use a Red Card to explain your rights, which can be downloaded from the Immigration Legal Resource Center's website.
- If ICE enters your home without consent, peaceful yet explicit resistance is within your rights, along with documenting the incident and contacting witnesses.
- In the realm of business, individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions or sign documents when approached by ICE agents at work, and they are entitled to legal representation during such interactions.
