Let’s Not Turn A Joyous Holiday Season Into A TragedyThe Holiday season is usually a time of happiness and Joyfulness and it should be but this year I also want you to use it as a time of reflection with your families. The enforcement of immigration laws is being used in a way that goes back to the early 1990’s. We are seeing work places get raided, cold calls directly to immigrants by ICE and ICE agents in plain clothes showing up to people’s doors. This has had troubling consequences as bonds are higher and the courts are trying to streamline deportations.
I ask our community that while we gather around the Pernil (pork) and Pasteles (Spanish meat pies) this year that we have a real conversation with our families about what can happen and how to proceed if someone in our family were to be arrested by ICE.
I recommend the following:
See an attorney to see if you have any way to legalize your status and get that process started.
Make sure your family knows where your sensitive documents are and can access them if ICE detains you.
Have some money set aside to fight your deportation case.
Avoid negative contact with law enforcement.
Don’t open the door for anyone that comes to your house who you don’t know.
If ICE is at your door do not let them in your house and do not answer any of their questions.
If you drink this holiday season do it in a family member’s home, get a cab or an Uber and don’t drive.
I ask our community that while we gather around the Pernil (pork) and Pasteles (Spanish meat pies) this year that we have a real conversation with our families about what can happen and how to proceed if someone in our family were to be arrested by ICE.
I recommend the following:
See an attorney to see if you have any way to legalize your status and get that process started.
Make sure your family knows where your sensitive documents are and can access them if ICE detains you.
Have some money set aside to fight your deportation case.
Avoid negative contact with law enforcement.
Don’t open the door for anyone that comes to your house who you don’t know.
If ICE is at your door do not let them in your house and do not answer any of their questions.
If you drink this holiday season do it in a family member’s home, get a cab or an Uber and don’t drive.
