Immigration, Teachers, and Resources
I'm not a lawyer, just a concerned friend, daughter, teacher. Take what you need.
Edit: I came across a map for reporting ICE: https://padlet.com/POP2025/people-over-papers-anonymous-an-nimo-lf0l47ljszbto2uj
Remember, false reports are probable.
Resources and Opinions up ahead.
2020 Mugging
Five years ago, my mom was mugged just a few minutes from her apartment. She fought her attacker and reported the incident to the police.
The police shared that immigrant women were being targeted in a string of similar attacks because many were afraid to come forward. The attackers were never found.
These crimes were largely underreported. My mom felt comfortable making a police report because she’s a U.S. Citizen. But I can’t help but wonder how many women had been attacked.
Interestingly, my parents voted for Trump during his first campaign. They never see themselves as “other” because a piece of paper says otherwise. Place of birth: Puerto Rico.
This was until three undocumented workers were allegedly detained, and several U.S. citizens were questioned, including a military veteran. NBC NEWYORK
What Now?
There have been reports of ICE visiting local establishments near where my parents live. I started researching ways they could protect themselves in case they were ever detained.
I want to make this clear: my parents will not stand up to ICE. If ICE were to show up at their door, they would let them in. They’ve been conditioned to comply, no matter what—even if it means sacrificing their rights.
In the late 1970s, my mom was rounded up and shoved against a wall and questioned about her citizenship while at the mall. She had been at the food court, getting something to eat, when a large group of people were detained, including her. Once released, she managed to alert her friends who worked at the mall, and they were able to escape.
In the late 1990s, my dad was detained for questioning before boarding a plane to Puerto Rico. He complied without resistance.
I’m sure there are more stories they’ve never shared. Only recently did I learn about my mom being detained when she was younger.
As brown people, they kept their heads down and complied. That’s the only life they know.
I’ve seen online posts encouraging immigrants to stand strong and “Know Your Rights!” But the reality is that some simply can’t.
1. Contact your parents’ elected Congressman or NYS Representative
This is from Heather Mieko Lackey, Chief of Staff Assemblymember for Chris Burdick
Good afternoon Viviana,
Thank you so much for reaching out. I do not believe that a driver’s license will be sufficient. Do they have passports that they can carry with them? Which town do they live in? We work with local organizations that would likely be able to give a more in depth and helpful answer. Let me know and I can put you in touch with one of the organizations. As things evolve, these organizations are making sure that people have the right tools and information to help them. I completely understand your concerns and want to be as accurate as possible.
Heather Mieko Lackey put me in touch with an organization that was local to my parents, and unfortunately, the advice was the same.
If they have a copy of their passport with them at all times, it will not hurt.
2. They don’t have passports
My parents have gathered their birth certificates and social security cards and will keep them in a central, easily accessible location in their home. They also told a family member where the documents could be found.
3. Green Card Holders
I haven’t found a clear answer to this. I talked to my friend yesterday trying to help her, and all I have learned is that all Green Card holders must always carry their cards on them. I’m sorry I don’t have more to share.
Resources worth reading, printing, and distributing. (which I plan on doing today)
https://www.nyic.org/resources-training/kyr/
https://www.nyic.org/2/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/immigrants_nyCUP.pdf
Download Signal and use it if you’re worried about what you share with your family and friends: All messages, calls, video chats, and file transfers on Signal are encrypted using end-to-end encryption. Only you and the recipient can read or access the content—Signal itself cannot.
Teachers
Celebrating immigrants being deported, and you’re a teacher? Please leave the profession.
If you’re a teacher or work in any capacity around children, you have a professional and ethical obligation to protect all students, including immigrant students, within the boundaries of the law.
Under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, schools must ensure students have access to education without discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Reddit:
You can read on Reddit what different states are doing to prepare.
NYC Teachers- What If ICE Comes To Your School
Although the federal government claims the power to conduct certain kinds of warrantless stops within 100 miles of the U.S. border, important Fourth Amendment protections still apply.
Read more here: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/border-zone
Training
Immigration Education Training free virtual professional learning opportunities to PreK-12 educators across New York State.
What’s Next?
After the responses from El Centro Hispano, Inc. and Heather Mieko Lackey, Chief of Staff Assemblymember for Chris Burdick- it looks like everyone is still trying to figure out what’s next.
News organizations have started sharing this post to ease people's fears. However, reading the comments further confirms my worries.
I think it’s unlikely my parents will be detained or even stopped. But if they are, I don’t want them to panic if they become part of a random round-up.
At this point, my biggest fear is people impersonating ICE or the string of attacks popping up again.
I wish I had something clever to say to share to wrap up this post. I will continue to share resources that are shared with me. Katie and John, thank you for your help.
I’ll leave you with this image- only a few miles from where I live.
I am so sorry it has come to this. I hope you and your family will be safe!