GUIDANCE FOR FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

GUIDANCE FOR FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Last week, a concerned resident asked about what they could/should do if ICE conducted

enforcement at their place of business. We prepared the information below to assist with that and thought you might also appreciate seeing the guidance, which is based on information from Chief Nakamura and other local, state, and federal agencies:

FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Immigration is a federal responsibility, with laws established at the national level and enforcement carried out by federal agencies. Local law enforcement, including the Arcadia Police Department, is not responsible for immigration enforcement and does not operate as an extension of federal immigration authorities.

As a matter of policy, the City of Arcadia does not use its resources to enforce federal immigration law but remains fully compliant with all applicable federal laws and does not interfere with lawful federal enforcement activities. There is no City policy or practice that obstructs lawful federal enforcement efforts—immigration-related or otherwise.

Know Your Rights

• Right to Remain Silent. You do not have to talk about your immigration or citizenship status

with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you say could be used against you

in immigration court, so it’s important not to lie about status or provide false documents.

• Immigration Papers. If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent asks for your

papers, you must show them if you have them with you. You have the right to remain silent

or ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions.

• Search Rights. If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say

no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without

your consent or probable cause.

• Search and Arrest Warrant. If immigration agents enter your home without your permission,

you have the right to verbally express that you do not give them permission to enter your

home or search your belongings. Ask for a search and arrest warrant.

• Carrying Papers. If you are 18 or older, it is recommended that you carry your immigration

papers with you at all times. If you do not have them, you can tell the officer that you want to

remain silent or speak with a lawyer.

• Reduce the likelihood of harm by remaining calm and not physically resisting.