How You Can Help Protect Immigrant Communities
Most people don’t know their rights when it comes to ICE. You can help fix that.
We are living in a time when immigrant communities are facing constant threats, and yet, many businesses, schools, and hospitals don’t have a plan for what to do if ICE shows up. Not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know their rights or where to find the information that already exists.
Local organizations that work with immigrants have been sounding the alarm. Schools, hospitals, and employers have been asking for guidance, but many don’t even know where to find it. The resources are out there, but they aren’t reaching the people who need them the most.
That’s where we come in.
What Businesses and Schools Need to Know
ICE can enter public areas like lobbies or waiting rooms, but they cannot go into private spaces without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
Employers, teachers, and hospital staff do not have to answer ICE’s questions or provide information about students, patients, or employees without proper legal documents.
Many places don’t even know where to find “Know Your Rights” materials or how to protect their employees and communities.
This isn’t just about knowing the law. It’s about making sure businesses, schools, and hospitals feel prepared to protect people in their care.
Here’s How You Can Help
Contact your local immigrant rights organizations and ask how you can help. Many of them need volunteers to distribute materials, educate businesses, or even just spread awareness.
Share “Know Your Rights” resources with schools, hospitals, and local businesses. If they don’t have a plan in place, they need one. ICE counts on people being unprepared.
Print and distribute “Red Cards” that explain what to do when ICE shows up. (Pro tip: Many organizations prefer these to be printed in black and white to be more discreet.)
Make sure your workplace knows its rights. If you work at a school, hospital, or business, ask if there’s a plan in place. If not, share links to organizations that provide guidance.
These are simple but powerful ways to keep families together, businesses running, and communities strong.
Where to Get Resources
I’m including links to trusted organizations where you can download “Know Your Rights” materials, get legal guidance, and learn how to support immigrant communities.
Check out this document. (Prepared by my dear friend Ann S).
Take a minute to check them out and share them with someone who might need them.
This is how we protect each other. This is how we fight back.
** Remember. This is general information and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Please review the resources provided or consult with an immigration lawyer about specific cases. **
thank you for sharing this information Sylvia! much needed at times of crisis like this <3
Super helpful. Thanks for compiling, Sylvia!