Ever since Donald Trump was president during his second term, he made a huge push to increase deportations. One of the biggest parts of this effort was through ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE is the agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and often focuses on detaining people who are living in the country without proper documents. Under Trump’s policies, ICE became more aggressive, and deportations increased dramatically. Many people felt afraid, especially immigrants who were living here without legal status, because they never knew if they were next.
At Central Islip High School, we recently had a conversation about this issue during an assembly. Cerecen, Long Island’s largest immigration legal services provider, came to our school and talked about the issue. The representative from Carecen reminded everyone about the importance of knowing your rights, especially in situations where ICE might come to your home, workplace, or school. This kind of awareness is crucial for protecting families and ensuring they aren’t taken advantage of. The school even has information available on their website, where families can read up on their rights and get resources about what to do if ICE shows up.
It’s really important for everyone to understand their rights when dealing with ICE or immigration enforcement. For example, if ICE comes to your door, you have the right to remain silent and not let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. You can ask to see the warrant before allowing them inside. You also have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions or making decisions about your immigration status. These rights help protect you in tough situations and can make a big difference in keeping your family safe.
Many immigrant rights groups continue to fight for better protections for everyone, regardless of immigration status. The more we know about our rights, the better we can help protect ourselves and our communities. Central Islip High School’s website is one place where you can find helpful information, and it’s a great resource for families to stay informed. Knowing what to do if ICE comes knocking can make a huge difference in how we respond to these challenges.
