Ocasio-Cortez Hosts Webinar for Migrants Facing ICE
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's office hosted a virtual event titled "Know Your Rights With ICE" to inform migrants in her district about their rights if they encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The webinar, streamed live on Ocasio-Cortez's Facebook page, provided guidance on handling ICE search requests at home or work.
The event highlighted tactics allegedly used by ICE agents to gain compliance with searches, and discussed recent trends in ICE search practices, which have intensified under the Trump administration. Participants were advised on recording interactions with ICE agents and differentiating between various types of warrants they might carry.
Genia Blaser, of the Immigrant Defense Project, emphasized that even if ICE targets someone for deportation, it doesn't mean they can be legally deported or lack options to fight their case. She stressed that everyone has rights during encounters with ICE, regardless of their immigration status.
Ocasio-Cortez, while not directly participating in the webinar, shared informative posters in English and Spanish on Instagram, urging followers to distribute and study them. She emphasized the importance of collective strength and encouraged people to print the posters and display them at their workplaces or homes.
The webinar emphasized the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, applicable to everyone, including migrants. Laura, another speaker, differentiated between judicial and administrative warrants, clarifying that only the former authorizes ICE to initiate a search. However, she noted that ICE rarely carries judicial warrants, requiring consent to enter a home.
The speakers warned against ICE tactics of using deception, intimidation, or lies to gain consent for entry. They recommended documenting interactions with ICE through video recording or note-taking, as this information could be valuable for local immigrant rights groups and loved ones.
The webinar also shared recent trends in ICE search practices. Blaser noted that ICE agents have been conducting early morning home arrests, stopping people on the street or in public places, and using unmarked vehicles to stop cars. She also mentioned the apprehension of individuals under supervision during check-ins with ICE.
Fox News Digital reached out to ICE for comment but did not receive a response.
9 Comments
Cerebro
I thought Democrats were all about law and order. Guess that only applies when it suits them.
Marishka
This is just another example of the Democrats being soft on crime. We need to get tough on illegal immigration, not make it easier for them to stay here.
Pupsik
If these people didn't want to be deported, they shouldn't have come here illegally in the first place.
Marishka
a political ploy from AOC. Don't be fooled by her socialist agenda!
Pupsik
We will not be silent! We will continue to fight for our rights and the rights of all immigrants. Together, we will overcome.
Rotfront
Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own home. ICE should not be allowed to terrorize families and communities.
Michelangelo
This is just more evidence that the Democrats don't care about our safety. They only care about lining their own pockets with the votes of illegal immigrants.
Raphael
This is just another publicity stunt from AOC. She doesn't care about these people, she just wants attention.
Donatello
AOC is a disgrace to this country. She should be ashamed of herself for encouraging people to break the law.