Detroit councilwoman urges immigrants to know their rights amid ICE raids
Michigan city councilwoman urges immigrants to know their rights amid Trump orders
Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero says the order could destroy families and even destroy the community. As of Tuesday, the Trump administration said they had made 3,500 arrests across the country, and anyone in the U.S. illegally is a target. That includes not just violent criminals, according to the administration.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A Detroit city councilwoman is urging immigrants in Michigan to know their rights as the new Trump administration has ordered each Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office to arrest at least 75 undocumented people every day.
What they're saying:
Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero says the order could destroy families and even destroy the community.
"I got a report yesterday of someone being deported after playing soccer here in Southwest Detroit—he was detained in front of his wife and kids," she said.
As of Tuesday, the Trump administration said they had made 3,500 arrests across the country, and anyone in the U.S. illegally is a target. That includes not just violent criminals, according to the administration.
The administration believes all illegal immigrants broke the law and are criminals, which is why the councilwoman says it is important for people to know their rights.
"I am a former undocumented immigrant—I grew up here in Michigan since I was 8 years old—I know what it is like to be a child—being afraid—not knowing if your parents are going to be detained," said Adonis Flores, Training Director at Michigan United.
Organizations are conducting training along with many other Michigan rights groups and attorneys amid Trump's orders.
What you can do:
ACLU Attorney Ramis Wadood says regardless of anything, people still have rights under the Constitution. That includes the right to remain silent.
- Attorneys say not to answer any questions if you are stopped on the street or in your car. The first thing you should do is ask for an attorney.
- Next, do not open the door if ICE comes knocking. Ask for a warrant through the window that is signed by a judge, not ICE, before letting them in.
Under the 4th Amendment of the Constitution, officials can not enter your home without a warrant issued by a judge:
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
- Finally, Ruby Robinson with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center says to have a plan for your children in case you're detained.
What's next:
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, through tears, called the new quotas dangerous.
"Do you know that child ends up in our foster care? Separated from their family members? I've seen it—I've seen it," she shouted. "Nobody wants criminals in here—go ahead and do that job—but do not vilify a whole community."
The Source: FOX 2 sourced information from Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Ruby Robinson with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, ACLU Attorney Ramis Wadood, and Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero.