The U.S. Supreme Court has recently taken a significant step affecting immigration enforcement in Los Angeles by clearing the way for federal authorities to intensify immigration raids across the area.
This shift indicates a potential resurgence of numerous arrests in workplaces, including home improvement stores, car washes, manufacturing businesses, and various other locations.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, it does not alter fundamental due process rights for individuals arrested by immigration officials.
A pivotal aspect of the case stems from a July ruling by U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, an appointee of President Biden.
Judge Frimpong identified substantial evidence suggesting that immigration agents were using criteria such as race, language, occupation, and specific locations—including car washes and Home Depot parking lots—to establish “reasonable suspicion,” which is needed for detention under the law.
Frimpong noted that using these factors, either alone or together, fails to meet the standards set by the Fourth Amendment.
Civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Public Counsel, alongside other groups and private attorneys, have filed lawsuits representing several immigrant rights advocates, three immigrants detained at a bus stop, and two U.S. citizens.
One citizen was even held in detention despite presenting identification to the agents.
The plaintiffs in the suit claim that immigration agents targeted brown-skinned individuals in public spaces like Home Depot parking lots and car washes without sufficient justification regarding their immigration status.
They assert that agents often did not identify themselves as mandated by federal law and conducted unlawful, warrantless arrests.
In a close 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal, overturning the earlier ruling by Judge Frimpong that had prohibited immigration agents from conducting “roving patrols” to seize individuals based solely on their appearance, language, occupation, or location.
The future remains uncertain regarding how these intensified activities will manifest.
While immigration raids in Los Angeles diminished in frequency following the initial ruling, they did not completely cease.
For many individuals residing in or visiting the area, understanding their rights becomes increasingly critical in light of these developments.
If you find yourself home alone or with family when you hear a knock at the door, it is recommended to verify who is outside by checking a window, security camera, or peephole.
In this situation, the first advised action is to keep the door firmly closed and locked.
You are required to allow agents into your home only if they present a valid search warrant.
Advocacy groups indicate that agents must identify themselves and provide you with a warrant, which should be presented against the window or slipped under the door.
Importantly, individuals have the right to remain silent.
If questioned about immigration status, place of birth, or the method of entry into the United States, you may choose not to answer and can simply state, “I want to remain silent” or “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
It is emphasized by experts that you are not compelled to sign any documents or disclose personal information.
Should you be detained or taken into custody, you retain the right to contact an attorney and to receive a phone call from your attorney.
To assert this right, you can present a signed Form G-28, a federal document which outlines your lawyer’s details and your consent for their representation.
For individuals seeking help, several organizations and resources are available.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization focused on advocating for immigrant rights within Los Angeles County and throughout the nation, conducting both in-person and virtual workshops weekly.
For further information, individuals can visit CHIRLA’s website or contact them at (213) 353-1333.
Another nonprofit organization, Long Beach Forward, offers community outreach sessions and educational workshops.
You can find information about their upcoming sessions by checking the organization’s calendar, calling (562) 436-4800, or following their Instagram account.
RepresentLA represents a public-private partnership that delivers legal representation to immigrants, whether they are in custody, part of the community, facing deportation, or seeking relief.
The organization hosts an immigrant workshop on the last Wednesday of every month from noon to 2 p.m. at the South Whittier Community Resource Center located at 10750 Laurel Ave.
This workshop covers various topics, including avoiding scams, understanding legal rights in immigration court, and assessing eligibility for family-based immigration or citizenship.
The L.A. County Office of Immigrant Affairs maintains an online calendar featuring various “know your rights” and legal assistance workshops.
Their website serves as a crucial hub for important information about immigration resources.
Regular workshops and informational sessions on citizenship and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications are also conducted by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles.
Their online calendar is a helpful tool for accessing their monthly event listings.
In collaboration with organizations like Mijente and CHIRLA, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez’s office works to provide regular training sessions and distribute red resource cards at local field offices.
This initiative includes deploying a community defense organizer to bolster local leaders and develop rapid response networks in Council District 1.
For assistance, the council member’s City Hall office can be reached at (213) 473-7001, the Glassell Park field office at (323) 709-1800, or the Westlake District office at (213) 314-6290.
The Children’s Institute hosts an in-person workshop titled “Keeping Our Communities Safe” every Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in both English and Spanish.
During these sessions, staff reviews constitutional rights, instructs participants on how to identify different law enforcement agencies, and teaches safe responses during various law enforcement encounters.
The institute is located at 2121 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.
U.S. Africa Institute provides “Know Your Rights” webinars specifically designed for college students who are undocumented, refugees, immigrants, or international students, along with their families.
These webinars occur on the fourth Thursday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. during the academic year, with registration links posted on social media platforms.
To obtain further information, individuals can email [email protected].
Should you find yourself detained by immigration enforcement, understanding what to do is crucial.
Once detained, you maintain the right to contact your attorney and receive support while in custody.
It is possible to prove you have legal representation by presenting a signed Form G-28 to the officer in charge.
If you lack an attorney, you may request a list of pro-bono lawyers from the ICE official.
Additionally, you can ask to contact your consulate, as they may assist in locating legal representation for you.
Familiarizing yourself with the rules guiding the detention center where you may be placed is also essential.
You can request a copy of the Detainee Handbook to learn the detention center’s regulations, your rights, and the processes to communicate with others outside.
This handbook is available in 19 languages, including English and Spanish.
If a loved one is detained, prompt action is necessary.
Reach out to immigrant advocacy groups that can provide information, referrals, and resources such as food and financial assistance in certain cases.
A network of local rapid response hotlines is available in California to document immigration enforcement activities and assist affected individuals in obtaining legal services and other support.
In the interim, gather pertinent documents related to the detained family member to facilitate their release.
Necessary documents include the individual’s birth certificate, medical records, previous visa applications, and any receipts or approvals from immigration applications they’ve submitted earlier.
Moreover, collect essential personal information needed to locate your detained loved one, such as their A-Number—also known as the “alien registration number,” and personal details like full name and birth date.
This preparation can be vital in providing effective aid during a challenging time.
image source from：latimes
