Federal immigration enforcement has expanded beyond targeted investigations to also include broad enforcement, with federal agents from various agencies active within our community and across our region.

• Targeted enforcement can take place at homes, in neighborhoods, and at businesses with a judicial warrant or administrative warrant and can involve deportation orders or suspicion of criminal activity.
• Broader enforcement efforts include questioning "collaterals" – those that are at the scene of enforcement who are not the initial focus – or "consensual stops" where an officer asks someone in public setting if they can talk.

It is important to know that federal agencies have the legal right to conduct enforcement operations here and across the country based on actions by Congress, court decisions, and the U.S. Government Code.

If you are faced with federal agents or ICE law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or at your workplace, or if you see ICE in action, suspect ICE activity in progress, or if you or someone you know has been detained by ICE, you can refer to guidance and information provided by trustworthy sources that support immigration legal services.

The City of Vernon has established a partnership with the Coalition for Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), a non-profit organization that has advocated for immigrant rights for over 30 years. This reputable organization offers numerous resources for immigrants, including an assistance hotline, legal advice and representation, and important documents and tips. Visit their website, www.chirla.org/myrights, or call 888-6-CHIRLA to learn more about how they may assist.

Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have. For example, if you have a valid work permit or green card, be sure to have it with you in case you need it for identification purposes. Carry proof of pending immigration applications.

If you are worried that ICE will detain you, let the officer know if you have children. If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is under the age of 18, ICE might exercise discretion and opt not to detain you.

Create a safety plan. Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are detained. If you take care of children or others, make a plan to have them looked after in case you are detained. Keep important documents such as birth certificates and immigration documents (like your alien registration number, if you have one) in a safe place where a friend or family member can access them if necessary. Visit the following link to access Public Counsel’s Family Preparedness Plan: www.publiccounsel.org/publications/a-guide-to-planning-for-your-childs-care-family-preparedness/

Know how to find out if loved ones are detained by ICE. The ICE online detainee locator may be used to find an adult who is in immigration custody, or information may be gathered by calling the local ICE office.

If/when your loved one calls, ask for their A# number. ICE will provide it once they are processed.

• Locate the detained person: www.locator.ice.gov
• Contact legal help
• Contact the detention facility to plan a call or visit or figure out ways to send money to pay for necessities at the detention facility

If your loved one remains in custody at the detention facility:

• If afraid to return to their home country, your loved one should say that loudly and clearly to every immigration agent they see
• If they have lived in the U.S. for at least 2 years, they should tell an officer and show them proof

Know your rights. For advice regarding the specific circumstances of your or a loved one’s status, contact a legal representative that specializes in immigrant support and advocacy.  The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA) may be able to assist. Visit www.chirla.org/myrights or call 888-6-CHIRLA for guidance.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) may be accessed by calling their hotline number at 240-314-1500 or 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on case status, or visit their website at www.acis.eoir.justice.gov/en. 

Rapid Response Hotlines

CHIRLA Immigrant Assistance Line

• Hotline: 888-624-4752 (888-6-CHIRLA)
• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM
• After hours message line available

Los Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 888-624-4752

Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties)

• Hotline: (213) 833-8283
• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM PST
• Website: www.immdef.org/blog/immdefrrhotline 

List of California Rapid Response Networks

• Website: www.ccijustice.org/carrn

Additional Resources

• Know Your Rights - Information for Students and Families
• If You Interact with ICE
• What to Do in First 24-Hours if Someone is Detained
• ICE Out of California
• LAUSD We Are One
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Know-Your-Rights-Card
• Executive Office for Immigration Review

Message from Vernon Police Chief Sousa Regarding the California Values Act

The California Values Act (SB 54) was enacted to ensure that local law enforcement focuses on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Under this law, Police Officers do not inquire about an individual’s immigration status, nor do they participate in immigration enforcement actions conducted by federal agencies. 

Given recent federal actions, Chief Sousa would like to reaffirm the Vernon Police Department's (VPD's) commitment to serving and protecting all members of the community, regardless of immigration status. VPD’s priority is to build trust and ensure that everyone feels safe when seeking assistance or reporting crimes. The core mission of VPD is to uphold public safety, foster strong relationships with the community, and promote fairness and accountability in policing efforts. The Department wants to encourage all community members to work with VPD, knowing that the Department’s role is to protect and serve without discrimination or bias.

If you have any questions about how the California Values Act impacts VPD policies or practices, please feel free to reach out to VPD at 323-826-1481. Please be assured that Vernon PD is here to listen, support, and ensure a safe environment for everyone in the community. 

Workplaces across the region are also being impacted by federal immigration agencies.  Employers in California must balance compliance with federal immigration law and obligations under state law, including California’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act. Under state law, employers are generally prohibited from giving voluntary consent to immigration enforcement agents to enter nonpublic areas of a workplace unless the agent has a judicial warrant.  There are two types of warrants:

1. Judicial. Signed by a federal, or sometimes state, judge and issued by a federal or state court, either U.S. District Court for federal or Superior Court of California for state. Judicial warrants must be signed by a judge with a correct address and other information.
2. Administrative. Issued by federal immigration agencies. Administrative warrants are not from a court and do not allow agents to enter private areas without your permission – these warrants are labeled "Department of Homeland Security".

Offices, warehouses, storage rooms, breakrooms and other areas the public cannot freely go are private areas of workplaces and require permission or a judicial warrant to access.

At a business, there are several types of federal enforcement that can be conducted on site which include the following:

• Form 1-9 Audits. I-9 forms ensure someone is eligible to work in the United States and federal agencies can check an operation’s I-9 compliance.
• Worksite Raids. Federal immigration enforcement agents may investigate worksites suspected of hiring unauthorized workers or those that fail to keep employment verification records.
• Targeting Specific People. An employee with a deportation order or criminal case may be targeted by federal immigration enforcement officers.
• Consensual Encounters. Federal immigration enforcement agents can engage workers in public spaces without prior permission and ask questions.

Employer Preparedness

Comply. Make sure your workplace is complying with I-9 rules.

Plan. Have a plan to deal with immigration enforcement agencies if they arrive at your place of business.

Train. Designate one person who is knowledgeable about compliance and protections to speak to federal immigration agents.

Know your rights as an employer. Secure legal representation that may assist in the event that federal immigration enforcement agents visit your facility. Federal immigration agents may not have a right to access private areas of your business, detain workers, or take documents without a warrant.