SEIU 1021 members gathered at the Stockton union hall on Saturday, September 20, to learn more about immigrant rights in the face of ICE raids. Federal agents have changed their practices over the course of the past few months: using unmarked cars, covering their faces with masks, refusing to show badges or identify themselves. This has made community members’ interactions with them more harrowing and confusing.

Gloria Vallin, the Central Valley organizer of the coalition of immigrant rights known as Chirlo, led the presentation to address some of those concerns, as well as remind the audience of their legal rights if faced by ICE agents. They dove into those constitutional rights that apply regardless of immigration status; what happens when encountering ICE at home or at work; how to spot unmarked cars; and what employers can do in solidarity to help. 

“We are trying to track the way ICE operates now. The law does hold up in the courts, and there is a state law that California is a sanctuary state; it’s up to our mayors to adopt them so we can see the effects,”said Vallin. “This isn’t just a Latino issue; everyone is affected now. I really hope people recognize their rights and take the skills the learn back to their communities to prevent anyone from being detained in the future.”

“When something happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. We are stronger together if we stand by each other. We become the powerful force we need to be,” said SEIU 1021 member and Stockton COPE Chair Chinse Weaver-Daniels. “ICE Is coming into our neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and it’s not OK to live like that, afraid to walk to the grocery store or school.”

Red cards were handed out for participants to keep as a guide of what could be said to an ICE agent that would help legally protect them. They read, “I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution. I do not give you permission to enter my home and I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.”