Donald Trump’s effect on our Mission High Community is cutting deep. Fear is lurking and many are looking over their shoulder, not knowing who might come after our immigrant community.
According to the SF Chronicle, there are policies that allow ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to go into churches, schools, and hospitals to arrest undocumented immigrants.
It’s also being realized that this immigration deportation can discourage immigrants from not reporting crimes to the police.
It’s being argued that immigrants with criminal history in the United States are being arrested and deported, but Trump wants to make it an order to arrest those who have minor offenses.
However, it’s important to know that Trump’s Executive Orders are being challenged.
As this affects our community there are still crucial resources everyone should know about. You have certain rights when you are at home and rights in public.
If you are at home, you have the right to:
- Prohibit law enforcement entry/ leave the door closed
- Remain silent
- Ask for a warrant
- Speak to a lawyer and the right to a phone call
- Refuse to show any documents before seeing a lawyer
What if you’re in Public? You have the right to:
- To ask them to identify themselves
- Ask “ Am I free to go?”
- If they respond “Yes” leave and respond to no questions
- If that is not the case do not resist or run away, simply say that you want to use your right to remain silent and I want to talk to a lawyer.
- If the occasion comes to where ICE wants to search you, you have the right to say “I do not agree to this search”.
- People around you are allowed to record what is happening.
Always remember: YOU HAVE RIGHTS.
For more information go to:
https://www.sf.gov/departments–immigrant-rights-commission
https://www.ilrc.org/resources/community/know-your-rights-toolkit
