I went to training this evening for the Northern California Rapid Response Network, people who are trained to show up at immigration raids as witnesses. The observers are not supposed to interfere in any way, just observe and photograph and record.

Tonight's class was titled "Know Your Rights." It was presented by a representative of the American Civil Liberties Union, explaining how people should respond to adverse actions from police authorities, particularly ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The presentation was fascinating.

When confronted by law enforcement authorities in the U.S., everyone has the right to say these three things:

1. Am I free to go? If so, walk away with confidence, not running. If not, ask, "May I ask why I am being stopped?"
2. I would like to remain silent until I have an attorney to represent me.
3. I do not consent to being searched (or to having my home searched)

If law enforcement authorities do not honor these three requests, they are in violation of the U.S. Constitution, which puts them in a difficult situation. The purpose of Rapid Response observers is to ensure that these three rights are not violated. People who are stopped by law enforcement should be polite and cooperative, or else they can give authorities reason to escalate the situation.

Law enforcement authorities are not allowed to search a person or a house or a vehicle without consent or without a warrant signed by a judge. It is a bad idea to give consent, because authorities may find or "plant" contraband the owner was not aware of.

Does anyone here have experience with U.S. immigration authorities and how they operate? Apparently, the ICE raids have not been as intense as had been feared. Right now, about one person a day is being apprehended by immigration authorities in Northern California. But we're getting ready.

-Joe-