Trump Orders More ICE Deportations In Democratic Cities

Tightening of Immigration Policies

President Trump recently publicly urged ICE to exercise its full authority and implement the most extensive mass deportation program in U.S. history. The operations primarily target Democrat-run cities, including Los Angeles. According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE plans to deport up to 3,000 people per day. Although ICE’s specific actions in Los Angeles have not yet been disclosed, the effects are already apparent, including:

• Intensified protests.
• Detentions.
• Increased law enforcement presence.

What This Means for Immigrants in California?

First, ICE’s expanded raids may affect individuals not previously at risk. This includes individuals with active asylum applications and those without criminal records. Additionally, the temporary suspension of raids on farms, restaurants, and hotels does not negate the overall strategy of increased deportations.

Second, more than 575 people have been detained in Los Angeles for participating in protests and looting. Police are actively patrolling key neighborhoods, and the National Guard has been brought in to enforce order with 4,000 soldiers by the president’s order.

Your Rights When Dealing With ICE

1. Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer questions from ICE officers unless they present proper documentation or a court order. According to the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent.
2. You cannot let ICE into your residence without a court order. ICE officers may attempt to enter your home. However, you have the right to ask to see a warrant signed by a judge before opening the door. A Form I-200 or I-205 administrative warrant does not authorize entry.
3. You have the right to an attorney. If you are arrested, you have the right to contact an attorney before providing an explanation or signing any documents. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers helpful resources on immigrant rights.

What to Do If You Witness an Arrest?

If you witness an ICE raid or street detention, do the following:

• Stay calm and record what is happening.
• Do not physically intervene; you have the right to observe from a reasonable distance.
• Call a legal organization or attorney if someone you know is being detained.
• Avoid posting the detainee’s details on social media to prevent harming them.

What’s Happening With the National Guard in California?

Amid protests in Los Angeles, President Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to control the streets. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged the federal government’s control, arguing that Trump’s actions violated established procedures. Now, a federal court is considering who should control the Guard: the state or the federal government.

How to Protect Yourself Today?

1. Do not keep original documents with you unless necessary. It is better to hide them in a safe place.
2. Prepare a “detention plan”: decide who will call a lawyer and who will care for the children and pets.
3. Download and print “I refuse to speak without a lawyer” cards.
4. Avoid traveling unnecessarily to places where ICE raids may occur. Avoid government buildings, transportation hubs, markets, and large protests.

What Laws Exist in California for Protection?

California is considered a “sanctuary state,” which means local authorities are not required to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For example:

• SB 54 (the California Values Act) limits police involvement in federal immigration operations.
• AB 540 provides undocumented immigrants with certain educational rights.
• AB 450 protects workers from unauthorized ICE raids on workplaces.

Additionally, California courts have emphasized the need for procedural safeguards, such as requiring a court order to enter a home. An up-to-date legislative overview is available on the official California Legislative Information website.

Employer Liability and Workers’ Rights

In the context of increased ICE raids, protecting workers’ rights becomes especially important, particularly in industries that heavily employ immigrants:

• Construction sites.
• Restaurants.
• Hotels.
• Agricultural farms.

Although employers are required to comply with federal immigration laws, they are not allowed to violate employees’ labor and civil rights. California law AB 450 prohibits employers from allowing ICE access to nonpublic areas of a business without a judicial warrant.

In addition, employers are not permitted to share employees’ personal information without a proper request from authorities. Violating these rules may result in administrative fines and civil liability. Workers, regardless of immigration status, have the right to:

• Safe working conditions.
• Payment for work performed.
• Protection from discrimination.

If you believe you have been subjected to unlawful actions by an employer concerning immigration raids, you may seek assistance from the California Department of Industrial Relations.

How KAASS LAW Can Help?

The KAASS LAW provides professional counseling to immigrants detained by ICE and to victims of misconduct by federal agents. We can:

• Assist with paperwork, appeals, and asylum applications.
• Represent you in immigration court.
• File a complaint if your rights are violated.
• Appeal deportation decisions.
• Learn how to protect your rights if police arrest or detain you at a protest.

Conclusion

With the increased pressure from federal authorities and the rise in ICE raids and tensions on the streets of Los Angeles, it is more important than ever to know your rights and have access to legal help. Regardless of your immigration status, you have the right to a defense, the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial. Contact us if you or your loved ones are at risk. Call us at 844-522-7752 for a consultation and reliable legal support.