Reports of a large federal immigration operation expected to begin in the Bay Area have understandably caused fear and confusion among immigrant families and their advocates. According to The Oaklandside, federal agents and possibly members of the National Guard may be involved in upcoming enforcement efforts. For attorneys, community members, and anyone supporting clients or loved ones affected by these developments, clear and accurate information is critical.
Bay Area Immigration Raid Resources Developed by Legal and Advocacy Organizations:
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The California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) has created a hub for emergency response and advocacy when immigration raids occur. Check out their website for county/city specific hot lines.
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CCIJ’s detailed Community Advocates for Rapid Response Network (CARRN) Toolkit provides step-by-step instructions for documenting raids, connecting individuals to legal assistance, and supporting community preparedness. The toolkit includes a collection of graphics and videos covering essential Know Your Rights topics to help individuals navigate encounters with immigration enforcement.
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For individuals released from detention, CCIJ’s Post-Detention Guide explains next steps and how to find help. If someone was recently detained, start by contacting your local Rapid Response Network as quickly as possible. The guide will help with next steps.
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The National Immigrant Justice Center has clear “Know Your Rights” materials explaining what to do if ICE comes to a home, workplace, or courthouse.
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The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has also put together materials to educate the community and prepare individuals for possible encounters with immigration authorities.
- The Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA) recently hosted an MCLE program, ICE Raid in the Workplace? What an Employer Should Know, which is now available to view for free. This training explains what employers and attorneys should do if ICE appears at a workplace, including how to protect employee rights while remaining compliant with the law.
If you or or clients are planning on attending a protest, please review the following documents and please take care of each other.
- Amnesty International: https://www.amnestyusa.org/pdfs/SafeyDuringProtest_F.pdf
- ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/
For those seeking to be active and informed beyond the immediate crisis, ACBA is also hosting an upcoming program, 10 Things Introverts & Extroverts Can Do for Democracy, on 11/10, focused on civic engagement and community resilience during times of uncertainty.
These resources aim to ensure that attorneys and community members are prepared to respond calmly and knowledgeably if immigration enforcement actions occur. As always, the ACBA remains committed to supporting the Alameda County legal community and those it serves through education, advocacy, and connection.