Rep. Emilia Sykes creates tip sheets in several languages for residents targeted by ICE
Rep. Emilia Sykes creates tip sheets in several languages for residents targeted by ICE
U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, and her staff have created a series of tip sheets in various languages for immigrants living in the 13th Congressional District who are concerned about the threat of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sweeps.
President Donald Trump has pledged to carry out such raids nationwide, saying they are vital to the security of Americans. But ICE operations since Trump returned to office have included detentions of American citizens, leading to worries from refugee resettlement organizations and other aid groups that people who are legally residing in the United States will be unfairly targeted.
During an interview with the Beacon Journal on Wednesday, Sykes said she believes it is appropriate to deport those who have committed crimes after entering the country without permission.
On Jan. 22, she joined 45 other House Democrats in voting with the Republican majority to approve the Laken Riley Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain anyone who is "unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission" and has been "charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting."
Trump signed the bill into law Wednesday.
Sykes emphasized the new law should not be enforced in a way that infringes on the legal rights of American citizens, but also recognized that Trump has the prerogative to protect the country from potential dangers.
"If that is what the president wants to carry out, he should carry that out," she said, "but he also has to remember that living amongst all these folks are American citizens who also have rights and don't deserve to be caught up in this inadvertently because this is a haphazard raid that they might do."
Sykes' district, which includes all of Summit County and parts of Stark and Portage counties, has seen significant growth in refugee communities thanks in part to assistance programs provided through agencies such as the International Institute of Akron.
Now, people who fled crises in other countries and either naturalized as American citizens or are on the path to citizenship face the prospect of chaos once again. Sykes said her tip sheet, which she provided to the Beacon Journal, can help residents to prepare for unwanted attention. Go to https://tinyurl.com/abjkyr to see versions of the document in English, Burmese, Spanish and Nepali.
The tip sheet "allows people to be able to protect themselves and some best practices we picked up from colleagues across the country that we can share with folks," Sykes said.
With fears and rumors spreading about possible ICE raids, Sykes said the issue of fairly conducting these operations should be important to everyone.
"Really, anyone who may look like an immigrant, whatever that means, is subject to this and American citizens should be concerned. Do you keep your birth certificate on you at all times? How would you prove that you're an American citizen if you were to be swept up in a raid?" Sykes said.
Here is the advice contained on the tip sheet:
How should I prepare?
Ensure that all important documents are in a safe place where family members can access them.
Make a plan with family in the event you or a family member is detained by ICE, including identifying a caretaker for your children.
Memorize important phone numbers.
Consider consulting with an immigration attorney.
But, do I have rights?
You have the right to remain silent and contact an attorney.
You have the right to due process and to have your case heard before a judge.
You have the right to say no to being searched or having your home searched unless ICE has an arrest warrant (not removal order, etc.). Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
You have the right to ask ICE to leave.
What should I do if ICE approaches me?
Do not volunteer any information.
You do not need to provide your immigration status or place of birth.
If ICE enters your home without your permission, probable cause, or a warrant, clearly state that you do not give them permission to enter or search your belongings.
Do not lie or present any false or fraudulent documentation , including a fake name.
including a fake name. You do not have any obligation to sign any document without speaking to an attorney.
Do not sign a document you do not understand.
If you feel safe, document the event using your phone (via video or audio recording).
If ICE shows up to your home or place of work, ask to see a warrant before you open the door.
ဤသည်မှာ 'Know Your Rights' ၏ အကြံပြုချက်စာရွက်၏ မြန်မာဘာသာပြန်ဖြစ်သည်။
यहाँ 'आफ्नो अधिकार जान्नुहोस्' सुझाव पत्रको नेपाली अनुवाद छ।
Aquí está la traducción al español de la hoja de consejos 'Conozca sus derechos'
Here is the English version of the 'Know Your Rights' tip sheet
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