Know Your Rights - When to Remain Silent
Photo provided by Eric Gonzalez
Stay Safe, Know Your Rights.
Since Inauguration Day, the Trump Administration has made immigration policy its cornerstone. Now, just over two months into this new presidency, major cities like Chicago, New York, Denver, and now Los Angeles, have reported large enforcement activities by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. Starting Sunday, February 23, it was reported that ICE began their “Knock and Talk” practices in Los Angeles. These practices are reported to spread to other parts of the state, which may include the Central Valley where Pacific is located.
University of the Pacific’s student population is very diverse, with over 10% of enrolled students coming from international countries. On top of this, 28% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino and an additional 33% identify as Asian. However, someone’s racial identity does not indicate immigration status, therefore this article aims to educate and provide resources on how anyone can exercise “Know Your Rights” when encountering ICE.
ICE and CBP, are allowed to question anyone in a street or a park, as long as there is a reasonable suspicion that the person is an immigrant. However, the Supreme Court has determined that a person’s race or ethnic background alone does not justify stopping and searching the individual.
Steps you should be aware of for “Know Your Rights:”
You have the right to remain silent.
You can ask if you are free to go, and if you are, you have the right to walk away.
Do not sign anything without talking to an attorney.
The Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has created a pocket size cheat sheet, called a “RED CARD”. This card reminds us that, regardless of anyone’s immigration status, the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and the Fourth Amendment right against unlawful search and seizure belongs to everyone. A printable PDF of this card is available in several languages, which can easily be printed at one of the many printing locations on campus, including The Center for Identity and Inclusion (CII).
Pacific students can support each other by staying informed and exercising “Know Your Rights” when encountering ICE. Additional information and support can be found at campus support centers like the CII. LGBTQ+ Resource Program Specialist, Yvette Quintana, said a term that CII often refers to is “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!”which translates to, “A united people will never be defeated.” Yvette reminded us that during times like this, “The best thing to do is to lean on community” and to remember that “if you need a home, the Center of Identity and Inclusion is a home away from home.”
Works Cited:
Ruiz, Grisel. Marquez, Nikki. Brown, Ariel. “Know Your Rights | A California Train The Trainer Toolkit | Aiming The Community With Education” ilrc https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/kyr_cal_train_trainer_tool-20180626.pdf
Lenthang, Marlene. “Here are the cities where ICE raids are taking place”. NBC News. 27 Jan, 2025. www.nbcnews.com
Garcia, Karen. “ICE agents may be planning a major operation in L.A. What are your rights?” Los Angeles Times. 2 Feb, 2025. www.latimes.com
ilrc Staff. “Commitment to Dismantling, Anti-blackness and Racism”. ilrc. www.ilrc.com
ilrc Staff. “Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas”. ilrc. www.ilrc.com