Making a difference in our community.

A raíz de los recientes cambios en la aplicación de ICE, es crucial que las comunidades se mantengan informadas y preparadas en caso de que los agentes de ICE se presenten en lugares cotidianos como escuelas, lugares de trabajo, hogares, iglesias, hospitales o durante un encuentro público. Entender sus derechos y saber qué hacer en estas situaciones puede ayudar a reducir el miedo y proteger su seguridad y privacidad.

Aquí están algunos pasos esenciales a seguir si ICE se presenta en diferentes escenarios:

1. Si ICE Se Presenta en Su Escuela

Verifique su Propósito: Siempre pida los nombres de los agentes, los números de placa y las credenciales. Los agentes de ICE necesitan una orden judicial válida firmada por un juez para ingresar a su escuela.

Proteja los Derechos de los Estudiantes: Todos los niños, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, tienen derecho a una educación pública. Informe a los estudiantes y al personal sobre su derecho a permanecer en silencio y no responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio.

Documente el Encuentro: Registre los nombres, números de placa y lo que dicen los agentes. Asegúrese de seguir las políticas de la escuela con respecto a las visitas de ICE.

Manténgase Preparado: Revise y comunique las políticas de su institución a todo el personal para garantizar que todos sepan cómo responder de manera adecuada.

2. Si ICE Se Presenta en Su Lugar de Trabajo

Verifique su Identidad: Solicite las credenciales de los agentes y una orden judicial si buscan ingresar a las instalaciones.

Conozca los Derechos de los Empleados: Informe a los empleados que no necesitan responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio. No están obligados a mostrar identificación a menos que sea legalmente requerido.

Proteja la Información Personal: No proporcione registros de empleados o información personal sin una citación válida o una orden judicial.

Documente la Interacción: Si es seguro, registre los detalles de los agentes y lo que están haciendo. Contacte a un abogado si es necesario.

3. Si ICE Se Presenta en Su Casa

No Abra la Puerta: ICE no puede ingresar a su casa sin una orden judicial firmada por un juez. Pídales que deslicen la orden por debajo de la puerta para revisarla.

Verifique la Orden: Asegúrese de que la orden sea específica para su dirección y esté firmada por un juez. Las órdenes administrativas de ICE no son válidas para el ingreso.

Proteja Sus Derechos: Tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio. No responda preguntas ni proporcione ninguna información sobre su estatus migratorio.

Documente la Interacción: Si es seguro, tome nota de los nombres, números de placa y acciones de los agentes. Contacte a un abogado para más ayuda.

4. Si ICE Se Presenta en Su Lugar de Trabajo

Verifique su Identidad y Propósito: Siempre pida los nombres de los agentes, los números de placa y una orden judicial si buscan ingresar a las instalaciones.

Informe a los Empleados de Sus Derechos: Recuerde a los empleados que tienen derecho a permanecer en silencio y no responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio.

No Comparta Información Personal: No proporcione registros personales o de empleo de los empleados sin una citación válida o una orden judicial.

Documente el Encuentro: Si es seguro, registre los nombres, números de placa y acciones de los agentes. Contacte a un abogado si es necesario.

5. Si ICE Se Presenta en Público

Manténgase Tranquilo y Cortés: Tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio. Si no está siendo arrestado, pregunte si está libre para irse.

Conozca Sus Derechos: No tiene que responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio. No está obligado a proporcionar identificación a menos que lo estén deteniendo o arrestando.

No Firme Nada: No firme documentos sin consultar primero con un abogado.

Documente la Interacción: Si es seguro, registre la interacción. Obtenga los nombres de los agentes, los números de placa y cualquier detalle relevante para informar.

6. Si ICE Lo Detiene Durante una Parada de Tráfico

Manténgase Tranquilo: Permanezca en su vehículo y mantenga sus manos visibles. Tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio y no tiene que responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio.

Verifique su Identidad: Pida los nombres de los agentes y los números de placa. Solicite ver una orden judicial si quieren registrar su vehículo.

Conozca Sus Derechos: En Washington, los pasajeros no están obligados a proporcionar identificación durante una parada de tráfico.

Si es un Oficial de Policía: No comparta su estatus migratorio, incluso si se lo piden. Diga educadamente: "No compartiré mi estatus con usted."

Documente la Interacción: Registre los detalles de la interacción, incluidos las acciones de los agentes, los números de placa y la hora de la parada.

Cómo Ejercer Su Derecho a Guardar Silencio o Hablar con un Abogado

Si decide guardar silencio o quiere hablar con un abogado, debe afirmar claramente su intención. Simplemente guardar silencio o no responder preguntas no es suficiente; debe comunicar claramente su decisión.

Para permanecer en silencio: Diga, “Elijo permanecer en silencio.”

Para hablar con un abogado: Diga, “Quiero hablar con mi abogado.”

Al expresar estas afirmaciones claramente, está haciendo valer sus derechos y asegurando su protección bajo la ley.

Reporte de Avistamientos de ICE

Si ve o experimenta un avistamiento de ICE en su comunidad, es esencial reportarlo. En el estado de Washington, puede llamar a la línea directa de la Red de Solidaridad con Inmigrantes de Washington (WAISN) al 1-844-724-3737 (lunes a viernes; 8am-6pm) para reportar actividad de ICE. Al llamar a la línea directa, puede ayudar a las organizaciones locales a hacer un seguimiento de la presencia de ICE en la comunidad y ofrecer apoyo a quienes puedan necesitarlo.

Si decide compartir avistamientos de ICE en las redes sociales o con otras personas, siga estas pautas:

Tome fotos y videos si es posible y seguro hacerlo.

Informe la hora, fecha y ubicación (ciudad y calle).

Note cuándo los agentes de ICE se van y describa lo que estaban haciendo.

Tenga en cuenta que diseminar avistamientos no verificados puede generar un miedo innecesario y pánico en la comunidad. Es importante verificar la información antes de compartirla para evitar que se difunda información errónea.

Planifique con Anticipación: Cree y Comparta el Protocolo de su Organización en Caso de que ICE Se Presente

Las escuelas, hospitales, iglesias, organizaciones y negocios deben crear un plan claro para lo que deben hacer si las autoridades de ICE se presentan en su ubicación. Tener un plan escrito ayudará a que el personal actúe rápidamente y con confianza durante una situación potencialmente estresante.

Aquí hay algunos pasos clave para crear su plan:

Defina Roles para el Personal: Identifique quién será responsable de verificar las credenciales de los agentes, proteger la privacidad y documentar el encuentro.

Procedimientos Claros para la Interacción con ICE: Escriba el proceso para verificar las órdenes judiciales, informar al personal sobre el derecho a permanecer en silencio y garantizar que nadie comparta información personal o confidencial sin autorización.

Entrene al Personal Regularmente: Asegúrese de que todo el personal esté informado sobre sus derechos y responsabilidades cuando se trate con ICE, y que conozcan las políticas de la organización.

Distribuya el Plan Ampliamente: Asegúrese de que el plan sea compartido con todo el personal y anímelos a revisarlo regularmente para garantizar la preparación.

Al crear y distribuir un plan de preparación, su organización puede apoyar los derechos y la seguridad de su comunidad mientras minimiza la confusión y el miedo.

Manténgase Preparado, Manténgase Informado

Todos merecen vivir sin miedo a detenciones o acosos injustos. Al mantenerse informado, conocer sus derechos y entender los pasos adecuados a seguir cuando ICE se presente, podemos trabajar juntos para proteger nuestras comunidades. Comparta esta información ampliamente y ayude a los que lo rodean a prepararse para tales situaciones.

Si alguna vez se siente inseguro o incierto, no dude en contactar a un abogado o a una organización confiable para orientación y apoyo legal. Juntos, podemos asegurarnos de que nuestras comunidades se mantengan fuertes y protegidas.

In light of the recent changes to ICE enforcement, it is crucial for communities to stay informed and prepared in case ICE agents show up in everyday spaces like schools, workplaces, homes, churches, hospitals, or during a public encounter. Understanding your rights and knowing what to do in these situations can help reduce fear and protect your safety and privacy.

Here are some essential steps to take if ICE shows up in different scenarios:

1. If ICE Shows Up at Your School

Verify Their Purpose: Always ask for the agents' names, badge numbers, and credentials. ICE agents need a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter your school.

Protect Student Rights: All children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a public education. Inform students and staff about their right to remain silent and not answer questions about their immigration status.

Document the Encounter: Record agents’ names, badge numbers, and what they say. Make sure you follow school policies regarding ICE visits.

Stay Prepared: Review and communicate your institution’s policies with all staff to ensure that everyone knows how to respond appropriately.

2. If ICE Shows Up at Your Workplace

Verify Their Identity: Request agents’ credentials and a valid judicial warrant. Without a warrant, they do not have the legal right to enter your workplace.

Know Employee Rights: Inform employees that they do not need to answer questions about their immigration status. They are not required to show ID unless legally required.

Protect Personal Information: Do not share employee records or personal information without a valid subpoena or warrant.

Document the Interaction: If safe, document the agents’ details and what they are doing. Contact an attorney if necessary.

3. If ICE Shows Up at Your Home

Don’t Open the Door: ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door for review.

Verify the Warrant: Make sure the warrant is specific to your address and signed by a judge. Administrative warrants from ICE are not valid for entry.

Protect Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or provide any information about your immigration status.

Document the Interaction: If safe, take note of the agents’ names, badge numbers, and actions. Contact an attorney for further assistance.

4. If ICE Shows Up at Your Workplace

Verify Their Identity and Purpose: Always ask for the agents' names, badge numbers, and a judicial warrant if they seek to enter the premises.

Inform Employees of Their Rights: Remind employees that they have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about their immigration status.

Do Not Share Personal Information: Do not provide employees’ personal or employment records without a valid subpoena or judicial warrant.

Document the Encounter: If safe, record the agents' names, badge numbers, and actions. Contact an attorney if needed.

5. If ICE Stops You in Public

Remain Calm and Polite: You have the right to remain silent. If you are not being arrested, ask if you are free to leave.

Know Your Rights: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status. You are not required to provide ID unless you are being detained or arrested.

Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign documents without consulting an attorney.

Document the Encounter: If safe, record the interaction. Get agents' names, badge numbers, and any relevant details for reporting purposes.

6. If ICE Stops You During a Traffic Stop

Remain Calm: Stay in your vehicle and keep your hands visible. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.

Verify Their Identity: Ask for the agents’ names and badge numbers. Request to see a judicial warrant if they want to search your vehicle.

Know Your Rights: In Washington, passengers are not required to provide ID during a traffic stop.

If It’s a Police Officer: Do not share your immigration status, even if asked. Politely say, "I will not share my status with you."

Document the Encounter: Record details of the interaction, including the agents' actions, badge numbers, and the time of the stop.

How to Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent or Speak with an Attorney

If you choose to remain silent or want to speak to a lawyer, you must affirmatively state your intention. Simply remaining silent or not answering questions is not enough; you must clearly communicate your decision.

To remain silent: Say, “I choose to remain silent.”

To speak with an attorney: Say, “I want to talk to my lawyer.”

By stating these clearly, you are asserting your rights and ensuring your protection under the law.

Reporting ICE Sightings

If you see or experience an ICE sighting in your community, it is essential to report it. In Washington state, you can call the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) hotline at 1-844-724-3737 (Monday-Friday; 8am-6pm) to report sightings of ICE activity. By calling the hotline, you can help local organizations track ICE’s presence in the community and offer support to those who may need it.

If you choose to share ICE sightings on social media or with others, please follow these guidelines:

Take photos and videos if possible and safe to do so.

Report the time, date, and location (city and street).

Note when the ICE agents leave and describe what they were doing.

Be mindful that disseminating unverified sightings can lead to unnecessary fear and panic in the community. It is important to verify information before sharing to prevent misinformation from spreading.

Plan Ahead: Create and Share Your Organization's ICE Protocol

Schools, hospitals, churches, organizations, and businesses should create a clear plan for what to do if ICE authorities come to their location. Having a written plan in place will help staff act quickly and confidently during a potentially stressful situation.

Here are some key steps for creating your plan:

Define Staff Roles: Identify who will be responsible for verifying agents' credentials, protecting privacy, and documenting the encounter.

Clear Procedures for ICE Interaction: Outline the process for verifying judicial warrants, informing staff of the right to remain silent, and ensuring that no one shares personal or confidential information without authorization.

Train Staff Regularly: Ensure that all staff are informed about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with ICE, and that they are familiar with the organization's policies.

Distribute the Plan Widely: Make sure the plan is shared with all staff, and encourage them to review it regularly to ensure preparedness.

By creating and distributing a preparedness plan, your organization can support the rights and safety of your community while minimizing confusion and fear.

Stay Prepared, Stay Informed

Everyone deserves to live without fear of unjust detainment or harassment. By staying informed, knowing your rights, and understanding the proper steps to take when ICE shows up, we can work together to protect our communities. Share this information widely and help those around you prepare for such situations.

If you ever feel uncertain or unsafe, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer or trusted organization for legal guidance and support. Together, we can make sure that our communities stay strong and protected.

Saul Tilden was named as a 2024 Volunteer of the Year at the Justice Gala on September 6, 2024.  Saul is an attorney at Stokes Lawrence, P.S.  Saul has volunteered for Central WA Legal Aid since 2020 and has donated over 40 pro bono hours to serving our clients.  In 2024, he worked with Esmeralda Mora, Pro Bono Program Coordinator, to create a wills clinic where he gave a general presentation and followed up by creating wills and estate planning documents for individuals who attended the presentation.  Saul was nominated for his positive volunteer spirit and his dedication to pro bono.

When we asked Saulto tell us more about himself and his motivation to make an impact at CWLA, he said:

1.      What motivated you to become an attorney? Originally, I was planning to be an environmental lawyer.  I wanted to make a positive difference in the world while doing work that I found engaging, and that seemed like a good way to do it. 

2.      What is the most challenging part of your profession? Delivering bad news to clients.  You can’t win them all, but that doesn’t make it easier when you have to let a client know that you didn’t get the result you wanted or that they might not have any good options to begin with. 

3.      What is the most rewarding part of your career? Having the chance to get to know people in our community and then being able to put my legal training to use to help them out.

4.      What does professional responsibility mean to you? Professional responsibility means that once you take a client on, their problems become your problems and you have a responsibility to them to approach their problem with the same care and effort you’d put forth if the problem were your own or that of a friend or family member.

5.      What inspires you to volunteer? We have a great community, but like most communities, we have a whole lot of people in need.  There is such a high barrier to access the legal services and it feels important to do what I can to help lower that barrier, when possible.

6.      In what ways has volunteering for CWLA benefited you?  It’s been very personally rewarding.  The work I do volunteering for CWLA is without a doubt the work that makes me feel the most fulfilled and the most like I’m making a positive difference in the world.  That isn’t always the case in my day-to-day work, so I’m thankful I can get that sense of satisfaction from my work with CWLA.  It’s also been a great way to get to know the CWLA team and more of the Yakima Valley legal community.

7.      What is your most memorable case/client while volunteering? My most memorable experience was probably helping to put on a recent Will clinic with CWLA.  It was very satisfying to work with the CWLA team to help plan the clinic and see it through to the finish.   

8.      What do you appreciate about your community? The people and the natural environment.  I moved from Western Washington to start my career here, and it was initially a pretty big adjustment. However, Yakima is full of so many wonderful people from so many different backgrounds who all come together to make it the incredibly special community that it is.  It didn’t take long for it to feel like a new home. I’ll also never get tired of all the beautiful rivers, orchards, hills, and mountains.

9.      What advice can you give young attorneys who are interested in volunteering for CWLA? Reach out! Volunteering for CWLA is not only rewarding but also a great way to broaden your experience as a young attorney. 

10.     Side question: How do you like to spend your day off? Mostly just relaxing with my wife and our two dogs, Nisa and Charlie.  Other than that, depending on the season, running, biking, snowboarding, and watching the Seahawks, Huskies, and Mariners.