Navigating Challenging Times: Essential Resources for Immigrant Communities Amidst ICE Raids

Written By Francesca

  The recent surge in ICE raids across the nation, particularly in Los Angeles, has created an atmosphere of heightened fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. These operations, sometimes described as “military-style,” have led to numerous arrests and widespread concern, prompting protests and strong objections from local and state leaders. While our organization may not directly handle immigration cases, we are committed to providing supportive and informative resources to help individuals and families navigate these challenging times. This post aims to offer clear guidance and connect you with reputable organizations that can provide legal aid, “Know Your Rights” information, and community support, including assistance with essential needs like groceries.

Understanding Your Rights and Accessing Legal Aid

In the face of immigration enforcement actions, it is crucial for all individuals, regardless of immigration status, to be aware of their constitutional rights. Several organizations offer comprehensive "Know Your Rights" materials that detail what to do if confronted by ICE or law enforcement. For instance, LULAC (the League of United Latin American Citizens) advocates for the rights of all individuals and provides guidance on asserting your rights, such as remaining silent and not answering questions from immigration officers. They advise carrying a "Know Your Rights" card that states your wish to remain silent and speak with an attorney. It is also recommended not to open your door to ICE unless they have a judge-signed warrant, which should be verified through a window or under the door, ensuring it has your correct name and address. Always speak to a lawyer before signing any documents, as ICE may attempt to have you sign away your rights. Carry only essential documents like valid U.S. immigration papers, avoiding foreign passports or other foreign papers that could be used against you.

For those in need of legal assistance, numerous non-profit organizations offer free or low-cost services. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) offers legal consultations by phone, by appointment only, on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. You can also call their direct immigrant assistance hotline at 888-624-4752 for information and referrals, or dial 213-201-3797 for legal immigration services or DACA applications on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides a tool to find an immigration lawyer. Additionally, the Immigration Advocates Network offers a national directory of legal services from non-profit organizations, categorized by state, county, or detention facility.

Accessing Essential Needs: Food and Groceries

In addition to legal and community support, ensuring access to basic necessities like food is paramount, especially for families facing disruptions due to immigration enforcement. Several initiatives are working to provide free grocery services to immigrant communities. The Feeding America network partners with local food banks, soup kitchens, and meal programs to distribute free food. You can find your local food bank by entering your zip code on their website to access information on food distributions, including programs for kids and families, and assistance with baby food, formula, and diapers,

Furthermore, some organizations and cities are offering specialized grocery delivery services to assist those who may be fearful of leaving their homes. In Long Beach and Signal Hill, for example, ÓRALE’s Grocery Dropoff allows individuals fearful of leaving their homes to request grocery deliveries through their Instagram page. Alley Cat Deliveries also provides groceries, pharmacy pick-ups, or other essential items to homes for those scared to leave due to ICE raids. Local resident and executive director of the Local Hearts Foundation, Tito Rodriguez, is dropping off groceries to anyone struggling due to the ongoing ICE raids; you can email Groceryhelplhf@gmail.com for assistance. Ethikli, a low-waste grocery store, offers regular deliveries and pick-ups, and can coordinate food or other item drop-offs via Instagram (@Ethikli). Long Beach Community Table, a nonprofit, delivers food to homebound individuals, those with disabilities, or without transportation, with applications available online or by calling 562-548-0774 or emailing lbcthomebound@gmail.com. Northgate Markets and Vallarta Supermarkets are waiving curbside delivery fees or offering discounted/no fees across delivery apps to make shopping less dangerous for immigrants.

Resources for Immigrant Communities

LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens)

CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)

  • Immigrant Assistance Hotline: (888) 624-4752 (Contact Us - The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - CHIRLA, 2022)

  • Legal Immigration Services/DACA Appointments: (213) 201-3797 (Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.) (Contact Us - The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - CHIRLA, 2022)

Legal Aid and Advocacy

 

Justice.gov List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers:(https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers-map )

Know Your Rights:

Mental Health & Wellness:

FOOD:

  • The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is offering to drop off groceries or other essential items. Several Y locations are also acting as collection sites where people can drop off food and other essentials that will be put together as care packages. You can request one of those packages or coordinate a grocery delivery by emailing socialimpact@ymcala.org or calling (323) 244-9077. 

  • Not Us Without You LA, a public charity, provides food assistance to the immigrant community. You can apply for assistance here. The group is also accepting donations to support their efforts. 

  • Raíces con Voz is a mutual aid group supporting undocumented families by dropping off groceries and other essentials. People can request support by directly messaging the group on Instagram @raicesconvozph. The group is also accepting donations of canned goods, non-perishable foods, hygiene items and other essentials via pick-up or drop-off.

  • Aqui Para la Comunidad is also shopping and delivering groceries to people afraid to be out in public. You can request assistance through the group’s form here, also available in Spanish. The city of El Monte, in collaboration with the El Monte Business Alliance, launched a rapid response initiative, helping families with food distribution, legal aid and case intake. Residents interested in receiving support can call (800) 622-4302.

Project Food Box is offering to deliver free grocery boxes to some Medi-Cal members. Those interested need to file an online application and speak with the intake team. The program is designed to support people with diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, HIV, cancer, and other conditions. More information here.

Francesca
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