We Speak with Organizers on the Ground: How to Respond When ICE Invades Your Town
As immigration policies continue to dominate the political landscape, the fear of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids has become a harsh reality for many communities across the United States. In recent years, cities like Charlotte, NC and Chicago, IL have experienced an increase in ICE activity, leaving families and individuals vulnerable to detention and deportation. But in the face of these threats, local organizers and activists have stepped up to defend their communities. We speak with these brave individuals to learn more about what to do when ICE invades your town.
In Charlotte, NC, the Latin American Coalition has been at the forefront of the fight against ICE raids. The organization provides legal services, education, and advocacy for the Latinx community in the area. According to Executive Director, Jose Hernandez-Paris, their response to ICE activity is twofold – preparation and action.
“We have a rapid response team that is constantly monitoring for any ICE activity in our community,” Hernandez-Paris explains. “We have established protocols in place so that when a raid happens, we can quickly mobilize and provide support to affected families.”
This preparation includes training community members on their rights and how to respond in case of an ICE encounter. The organization also works closely with local law enforcement to ensure that they are not collaborating with ICE and to create a safe space for undocumented individuals.
But when ICE does come knocking, the Latin American Coalition doesn’t just sit back and watch. They take action. “We have a network of volunteers who are trained to document and witness any ICE activity,” says Hernandez-Paris. “We also have legal experts on standby to provide immediate assistance to those who may be detained.”
In Chicago, IL, the Resurrection Project is another organization that has been actively fighting against ICE raids. The organization provides affordable housing, financial education, and legal services to low-income communities, many of whom are undocumented. According to Executive Director, Raul Raymundo, their response to ICE invasions is centered around community empowerment.
“We work closely with our community members to educate them on their rights and to provide them with the tools to defend themselves,” Raymundo shares. “We also collaborate with other organizations and faith leaders to create a united front against ICE raids.”
The Resurrection Project also has a rapid response team that is ready to mobilize when needed. They have also established Know Your Rights workshops and distribute “ICE Raids Emergency Toolkits” to inform community members on what to do in case of a raid.
Both organizations stress the importance of community involvement in their response to ICE invasions. “We cannot do this alone,” says Raymundo. “We need the support and participation of our community members to effectively fight against these unjust actions.”
But what can individuals do to protect themselves and their families if ICE comes to their town? The organizers offer the following advice:
1. Know Your Rights: It is crucial for individuals to understand their rights when encountering ICE. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse entry into your home without a warrant.
2. Create a Safety Plan: Have a plan in place in case of a raid. This includes identifying a safe place for children to go and designating a trusted individual to make important decisions on your behalf.
3. Stay Informed: Stay updated on any ICE activity in your community. Join local organizations and follow them on social media to receive timely updates and alerts.
4. Document and Report: If you witness any ICE activity, document and report it to a trusted organization or legal service provider. This information can be used to fight against unjust actions and to support affected individuals.
5. Seek Legal Assistance: It is important to have access to legal support in case of a raid. Know the contact information of local legal service providers who can provide immediate assistance.
The fight against ICE invasions is far from over, but with the dedication and resilience of local organizers and activists, communities are standing strong and united. As Hernandez-Paris says, “We will not let fear paralyze us. We will continue to stand up for our communities and fight for justice and dignity for all.”
