Northern California Immigration Raids — Have a Plan and Know Your Rights
Recent news reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) is planning to conduct immigration enforcement actions, possibly larger scale sweeps or raids, in northern California. While we do not know if these plans will come to pass, it is very important for everyone to know and understand their rights during such actions, make emergency plans, and connect with support networks in the event of immigration enforcement actions.
Individuals at risk of arrest or deportation should make an emergency preparation plan. A preparation plan can involve gathering key information and documents, and making a plan for medical, financial and childcare needs, in case of arrest or deportation.
The below are Raid Response hotline phone numbers in northern California. Any person can call these hotlines if they see or hear of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity in the area. Some of these hotlines may not be staffed 24/7, so please do not rely solely on these hotlines for emergency purposes.
San Francisco Raid Response Network (415) 200-1548
Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (510) 241-4011
Santa Clara County (408) 290-1144
Monterey County (831) 643-5225
Sacramento County (916) 245-6773
Fresno County (559) 206-0151
Marin County (415) 991-4545
San Mateo County (203) 666-4472
Sonoma & Napa Counties (707) 800-4544
Santa Cruz County and Watsonville Area (831) 239-4289
Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN)—Text messages only for North and CA Community (201) 468-6088; (918) 609-4480
Know Your Rights
You can find basic “know your rights” resources here to understand what to do in case of an immigration raid or arrest.
Rights at Work – AB 450
In California, we now have additional protections in the workplace. As of January 1, 2018, as a result of the passage of AB 450, employers in California:
CANNOT voluntarily allow immigration agents onto the private areas of the worksite unless the agent(s) has a judicial warrant.
CANNOT voluntarily allow immigration agents access to employee records (other than a Notice of Inspection) unless the agent(s) has a subpoena or judicial warrant.
MUST post a notice informing workers of any DHS audit within 72 hours of receiving the Notice of Inspection.
MUST provide affected workers the results of any DHS audit within 72 hours of receiving said results and information about employer and employee obligations with respect to the audit.
This means that California employers cannot let immigration agents into private areas of the workplace unless the agents have the required documents giving them a right to enter. California Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, has pledged to enforce AB 450, warning employers that his office will “prosecute those who violate the law.” You can find information about AB 450 here.
Resources for employers regarding their general rights and obligations with respect to immigration enforcement are available here.
If you have any questions regarding the rights of workers and responsibilities of employers during immigration enforcement actions, please contact your immigration or labor law counsel at Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld.