As the debate over immigration continues to dominate the political landscape, communities across the United States are facing the harsh reality of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids. These raids, which often result in the separation of families and the detention of individuals, have caused fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. But in the face of these challenges, there are organizers on the ground who are working tirelessly to protect and support their communities. We spoke with organizers in Charlotte, NC, and Chicago, IL, to learn more about what to do when ICE invades your town.
In Charlotte, NC, the Latin American Coalition (LAC) has been at the forefront of advocating for immigrant rights and providing support to those affected by ICE raids. We spoke with Jose Hernandez-Paris, the Executive Director of LAC, who shared some valuable insights on how to prepare for and respond to ICE raids.
The first step, according to Hernandez-Paris, is to educate yourself and your community about their rights. “It’s important for people to know that they have rights, regardless of their immigration status,” he says. “They have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It’s also important to know that ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge.”
Hernandez-Paris also stresses the importance of having a plan in place. “We encourage families to have a plan in case of an ICE raid,” he says. “This includes having important documents, such as birth certificates and passports, in a safe place and having a designated person to take care of children in case parents are detained.”
In addition to preparing for a potential raid, LAC also provides support to those who have been affected by ICE. “We have a hotline that people can call if they or someone they know has been detained by ICE,” says Hernandez-Paris. “We also have a team of lawyers who provide legal assistance to those in need.”
In Chicago, IL, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is another organization that is working tirelessly to protect immigrant communities. We spoke with Fred Tsao, Senior Policy Counsel at ICIRR, who shared some important tips on how to respond to ICE raids.
Tsao emphasizes the importance of staying calm and not resisting if you are approached by ICE. “It’s important to remain calm and not resist if you are approached by ICE,” he says. “Resisting can lead to more serious consequences, including deportation.”
He also stresses the importance of knowing your rights and having a plan in place. “It’s important to know your rights and have a plan in case of an ICE raid,” says Tsao. “This includes having important documents in a safe place and having a designated person to take care of children in case parents are detained.”
ICIRR also provides support to those affected by ICE raids. “We have a hotline that people can call if they or someone they know has been detained by ICE,” says Tsao. “We also have a network of volunteers who can provide support to families, such as helping with childcare or providing transportation.”
Both LAC and ICIRR stress the importance of community support in times of crisis. “We encourage people to come together and support each other,” says Hernandez-Paris. “This can include organizing community meetings, providing emotional support, and advocating for policies that protect immigrant communities.”
Tsao echoes this sentiment, saying, “Community support is crucial in times of crisis. We encourage people to reach out to their neighbors and offer support in any way they can.”
In the face of ICE raids, it’s important to remember that there are organizations and individuals who are working tirelessly to protect and support immigrant communities. By educating ourselves, having a plan in place, and coming together as a community, we can stand strong and resilient in the face of adversity. As Hernandez-Paris puts it, “We may be facing difficult times, but we are not alone. Together, we can overcome any challenge.”
