After the federal investigators have arrested 1,000 undocumented immigrants across six major cities including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, human rights activists are preparing a response to protect the affected people who are fearing deportation.
The USA Today reported on Feb. 11 that nonprofit organization American Civil Liberties Union’s program to support young immigrants, United We Dream, is using its online platforms, including social media, to promote ways to respond to investigators.
What is notable about United We Dream’s campaign is that it has also launched a guideline in Korean. It advises undocumented immigrants to remain quiet and keep the doors closed when the enforcement from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid their homes, as it is their right to do so.
United We Dream added that anyone who is subject to ICE’s investigation should ask the enforcement officers for a warrant if they attempt to enter the home. Furthermore, anyone in their homes has the right to refuse enforcement officers from entering their homes and ask that the officers leave a note outside of their doors if they have additional messages.
However, arguing with an ICE officer makes anyone subject to being arrested. If that turns out to be the case, refusing to sign any paperwork until appointing a lawyer becomes critical.
United We Dream also advised that anyone who feels threatened by the recent arrest should prepare a plan, such as appointing a legal advisor in advance, especially if there are children at home who require guidance.
Also, it is advised that anyone who is potentially subject to the investigation should keep identification documents, such as birth and marriage certificates in a safe place.
United We Dream also posted online that immigrants subject to the investigation should write down the serial numbers on the investigator’s badge as well as recording everything they did after arriving at the doorsteps of the home.
▶ Reference: http://unitedwedream.org/thank-deportation-defense-card-handy-phone
By Tae Joon Hur
