You cannot reform a criminal organization. We watched Alex Pretti and Renee Good be brutally killed by Trump’s masked agents while trying to protect their neighbors. We’ve seen continued reports of the tens of thousands of neighbors, friends, and colleagues who have been snatched off the streets, separated from their families, and disappeared to detention centers and prison camps.
We’re living through a dystopian reality, and it’s never been more important that we have state leadership who will stand up to this administration.
Here’s what every Californian needs to know right now in order to stand up for our neighbors and protect ourselves from unlawful detention:
Here’s what to do if you are worried about being detained by ICE.
- Identify your emergency contacts and memorize their numbers.
- Keep your documents on you. Such documents include but are not limited to:
- Your immigration documents.
- Valid state or municipal ID (e.g., driver’s license). A state or municipal ID is an immigration-neutral document that does not show your country of origin.
- Proof of residence in the United States for more than two years. (They are expediting cases of residence of under two years and not having them seen by a judge.)
- If possible, proactively contact legal help.
- Resources for finding a lawyer include:
- The National Immigration Legal Services Directory
- LawHelpCa.org, a website maintained by the Legal Aid Association of California.
- Or, your local legal aid office
- If you are concerned about being arrested, consult an immigration attorney and have a signed G-28 form.
- Find and memorize your local hotline number.
- Bookmark this page so that you can come back to it quickly in an emergency.
- Learn your rights as a Californian so you know how to safely exercise them.
- Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.
- If you have one, remember your immigration number ("A" number) and give it to your family. An A number is provided to noncitizen immigrants by immigration officials. It will help family members locate you.
Here’s what to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood.
- Keep a safe distance.
- Do everything you can to stay calm.
- If you are experiencing an emergency or witnessing a crime, call 911 before making any other calls.
- Call your local rapid response hotline. Find it here.
- Take note of what is happening — safely. It is legal to film and record ICE agents, however your top priority should be your safety and the safety of others. Remember that you can also write down your observations if recording does not feel possible in the moment.
- Here is a guide on how to film ICE agents safely.
- Misconduct in your community by federal agents can be reported to the California Attorney General here.
- If you see someone being detained, ask the person their name and a phone number to call. Do not ask them their home address. Do not ask them their country of origin.
Here’s what to know if ICE comes to the door.
- Legally speaking, ICE cannot enter without a judicial warrant.
- A judicial warrant includes both state and federal courts and is signed by a judge. An administrative warrant is issued by a federal agency (like DHS) and does not authorize a search. It is important to note that agents have been illegally proceeding with entering without a warrant.
- Do not open the door, as this can be taken as giving “consent” for them to enter.
- It is legal to record, however your safety is the top priority.
- Do not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
- You have the right to remain silent — you are not required to answer any questions. Do not lie.
- If detained, you have the right to contact your consulate to inform them of your detention.
If you are looking for more information, here is the California Department of Justice FAQs
If you are an employer wondering how to protect your employees, consult The Joint Guidance for Employers from California Labor Commissioner and California Attorney General.
If you are looking for ways to help in MN, this collection of resources was put together by activists on the ground.
Take Action.
Call your member of Congress and tell them to block funding for ICE before the February 13th deadline.
Immigrants built this state. Californians stand together.
Abolish ICE.