What are your rights after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for federal authorities to resume immigration raids in L.A.
The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for federal authorities to double down on immigration raids in L.A.
This could mean a return to numerous arrests at workplaces such as home improvement stores, car washes, manufacturing businesses and other locations.
So what are your rights in the wake of the high court decision?
The court ruling in itself does not change basic due process for those arrested by immigration officials.
At issue is a July decision by a federal judge in L.A. U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, an appointee of President Biden, said she found a sufficient amount of evidence that agents were using race, language, a person’s vocation or the location they were at, such as a car wash, Home Depot, swap meet or row of street vendors, to form “reasonable suspicion” — the legal standard needed to detain someone. Frimpong said the reliance on those factors, either alone or in combination, does not meet the requirements of the 4th Amendment.
The American Civil Liberties Union, Public Counsel, other groups and private attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of several immigrant rights groups, three immigrants picked up at a bus stop and two U.S. citizens, one of whom was held despite showing agents his identification.
The plaintiffs argued in their complaint that immigration agents cornered brown-skinned people in Home Depot parking lots, at carwashes and at bus stops across Southern California in a show of force without establishing reasonable suspicion that they had violated immigration laws. They allege agents didn’t identify themselves, as required under federal law, and made unlawful, warrantless arrests.
In a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday granted an emergency appeal and lifted the judge’s order that barred “roving patrols” from snatching people off Southern California streets based on how they look, what language they speak, what work they do or where they happen to be.
It’s unclear what happens next. Immigration raids slowed in L.A. after the ruling but did not stop completely.The basics
If you’re home alone or with family members and you hear a knock at the door, check the window, security camera or peephole so you can identify whether ICE agents are outside.
When you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to keep your door closed and locked, advised advocacy groups and legal experts.
You must open your door and allow agents inside your home if they present a valid search warrant.
Advocates say agents must identify themselves and show you the warrant by putting it against the window or slipping it under your door.
You have the right to remain silent.
For example, if you’re asked about your immigration status, where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent, according to the National Immigration Justice Center.
