Let's Get Prepared

Maybe you’ve heard the news about ICE detaining people in Shelton and Belfair. Like many of us, you may be dismayed at the brutality and disregard for due process that have characterized ICE operations. If you are an immigrant, you may not feel safe going to work, sending your kids to school, or going to the grocery store.

I’d like to suggest that we can do a lot on the Key Peninsula to prepare for ICE activity in our communities and increase our support for our immigrant neighbors, coworkers, and students.

We can start by knowing what our legal rights are as U.S. citizens, as witnesses, business owners, and property owners. We can help our immigrant friends and coworkers know their rights if ICE approaches them. Furthermore, we can create a network of allies so we can respond to ICE and support our neighbors more effectively.

If you hire immigrant workers to work in your home, on your property, in your business, or on your jobsite:

● Find and share information that explains what their rights are and what they should do if ICE comes to their home or workplace.

● Know what you can do if ICE comes onto your property.

● Be prepared to act as a witness or to videotape ICE activity.

● Understand your rights. ICE agents have been widely documented intimidating people who are obeying the law. Nothing prohibits law enforcement from lying to you about your rights or anything else.

For more information, go to www.waisn.org/kyrice.

If you want to learn more or become part of a network of immigrant allies, contact kpindivisibles@gmail.com.

Jo Seidl, Longbranch