The below is an example of a letter that was sent to an employer in response to civil rights violations occurring targeting immigrants. Resources referenced provided below text of communication.
Hi [REDACTED]!
I just wanted to touch back re: what we discussed about trying to put together at least a workable framework to consider in order to implement a set of policies and procedures to help protect some of our more vulnerable attendees and employees. I’ll be including some graphics and screenshots that I used as reference. I’m not an attorney, of course…
Masked individuals who may, or may not, be operating legally have been quickly grabbing people out in very public ways. Unless they follow due-process, then what is happening is extra-judicial and unlawful. The most important action we can take is to respond quickly in order to slow things down.
The TL; DR is to be obnoxious about all it. Prevent the questionably Constitutional detention at all costs. Intervene, record it, make a lot of noise, scream, cause a scene:
Multiple people should surround the threatened individual(s) and form a physical barrier between the “target” and the presumed ICE vehicles / personnel while others very publicly begin to record, via live-stream, everything that is said and everything that happens. This is an absolutely protected 1st Amendment activity and, even if phones are confiscated, the live-stream still is sent out.
Remember that you have a right to be present, observing, bearing witness, praying, photographing, and videotaping (though your right to videotape a law enforcement action may vary by state (it has already been ajudicated that you can absolutely use video equipment to document police activity in public, including recording audio, in Massachusetts)
Loudly remind everyone present that no one has to speak with agents without an attorney present.
Be sure to document license plates, badges, faces, even if hidden by a mask.
Everyone present must demand agents to show badges slowly enough to be recognizable on camera, to identify themselves and who they’re with, demand they present a valid warrant and it must be signed by a judge, and demand they explain who they’re looking for and what specific, articulable, and crime they’re suspected of. Being undocumented is not a criminal offense, it’s a civil matter.
Demand to know to where they’re being taken and where they will be transferred to.
Contact the Company’s attorney immediately.
Have a list of local pro-bono immigration attorneys who are ready and willing to assist people being detained. Contact them immediately.
If employees are targeted, also be sure to reach out to their emergency contact(s) immediately.
Contact DHS / ICE immediately, and demand individuals grabbed be given due process as guaranteed to every person under the jurisdiction of the United States Constitution. Organize in-person vigils at the Field Office to advocate release-on-bail. Be ready to launch a call-in campaign to demand the release of individuals who were detained.
The sticky thing I am uncertain of is how to prevent their activity on private property, even if it is publicly accessible, which I presume is something for the Company’s attorney to advise on?
I know this was a lot of information to digest; I hope it’s helpful to use as a framework for policies moving forward in order to protect everyone on Company’ property.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or if there is anything that I can do, personally, to help, and thank you for your willingness to consider all of our safety!
Resources:
From United We Dream
From CAIR Georgia
From ILRC.org
