February 2025
By Roxana Cobos, Translation Editor
Sitting in my NHS meeting, I listened to my sponsor, Ms.Sheppard, talk about the election and its potential impact on us. It brought back memories from 8 years ago–a time where everything felt uncertain. I was 10 at the time, sitting in a classroom with only 9 students, all gathered tightly in a circle. Although we knew something was coming, it seemed like we were in denial of the news. We were on edge of something we couldn’t control–the fear of losing family members to deportation, and the overwhelming reality of our future as we transitioned into Trump’s presidency. This is unfortunately the scenario many of us here at KAC had to relive with the 2024 Presidential Election.
On November 5th, 2024, Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, marking his 2nd term after his first term back in 2016. With this came the threats and apparent promises of taking away birthright citizenship, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights and his personal favorite, the roundup and deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants across the United States.
How does this affect us as students?
Having immigrant family members brings forward a constant feeling of fear and discrimination. This is starting to affect our education as well. Seniors from the class of 2025 with undocumented parents have had to postpone their FAFSA form submission, due to the possibility of the Trump Administration requiring the Department of Education to share any information of undocumented parents to the U.S Department of Homeland Security. This has caused students to feel uncertain of their ability to attend college due to the restriction of funds, along with their parents being put at risk. Besides education, many students are dependent on parents who work here in the U.S, meaning if deportation is put in place they will lose their source of income, home and life in the U.S.
Despite the cards being played against undocumented individuals, knowing how to protect and assert our rights can level the playing field, safeguard our families, and help us overcome fear.
What can I do if me or a family member gets pulled over by ICE?
- Stay Calm
Although it is valid to feel fear and possibly anger in this situation, it is important to stay calm and collected. We have seen countless times where any sort of violence can and will be used against you, especially if you are a minority. Remain calm, roll down your window and keep your hands visible.
- Remain Silent
Do not state anything besides your wish to remain silent. You are not legally obligated to give any information regarding your legal status.It is also important to not give false information or paperwork to an agent or officer. If you are asked to identify yourself, simply give them your name.
- Refuse Searches
An immigration agent does not have the right to search you or your vehicle without your consent or probable cause.
- Request an Attorney
If you are detained or arrested, DO NOT RESIST. This will only lead to additional charges. Request an attorney immediately. While ICE does not provide a free attorney, they must allow you to contact an attorney once in custody or your proceeding.
- Ask if you’re free to leave
If the agents state you are not being detained, you have the right to leave.
What if ICE shows up to my door?
- Stay Calm and Stay Inside
Do not open the door. Use a peephole or window to confirm who is outside. Do not panic and open the door without knowing their legal authority.
- Ask for a Warrant
The warrant should be slipped under the door. If there is no warrant present, you are not legally obligated to open the door. If there is any kind of warrant, verify that it is signed by a judge. If it’s not, do not open the door. Additionally if they have an Administrative Warrant, they do not have the legal authority to enter your home.
- Do not interfere
Do not physically resist or obstruct ICE agents if they enter your home. Avoid confrontation but state your rights.
Red Cards are 2-sided cards that state your constitutional rights and can serve as a tool for when you get pulled over by ICE. Feel free to print some out using the following links!
All of these rights can be properly exercised with a plan. The following tips will allow you to create a plan in case the unfortunate happens.
Emergency Preparedness Plan in case of deportation:
- Prepare emergency contacts
This could include any trusted family members, lawyers or community organizations who can help you or a loved one if you or a loved one is detained.
- Establish a code word
Establish a code word or phrase that will quickly signal an emergency to family members.
- Designate an Emergency Caregiver
If you are a parent, pick someone who could care for your children in case you are detained. Ensure they can access important documents regarding the children.
- Prepare your family
Please talk with your family on how ICE works and how it could affect you. It can allow them to be more familiar with an unknown topic and feel more comfortable expressing their concerns. This can also ensure they have some sort of understanding in case the unfortunate happens.
Unfortunately, we are entering a presidency that brings a lot of discrimination to marginalized communities here in the U.S. It is absolutely normal to feel fear and worry about what the future holds for us. Please know that you are not alone. In times like these it’s more important than ever to educate ourselves and each other.
Remember that while the road ahead may seem daunting, we are not powerless. Empowerment begins with education, and by equipping ourselves with the truth, we can face these adversities as a community.
Our power is our unity, and no matter the endless threats of deportation, we will not be broken or divided in our pursuit of justice.
The Cardinal Post 