As tensions rise and fear builds over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, Fullerton College provides students with workshops to keep them informed and safe.
In January, the Trump administration rescinded a national policy from 2021 that protected immigrants from getting arrested in sensitive areas such as churches, schools and hospitals, but Fullerton College is publicly doubling down on its support of undocumented students.
The Cadena Cultural Center partnered with CARECEN to inform the undocumented community how to protect themselves in case of run-ins with ICE in a “Know Your Rights” Zoom workshop hosted on Feb. 20, 2025.
“We encourage students, faculty and staff to schedule an appointment for personalized assistance,” said Ann Park, a staff attorney for CARECEN, in an email to The Hornet.
Park and Celeste Concha, a paralegal at CARECEN, outlined how to be prepared to deal with ICE in case of an encounter and what to do next. The two urge people to remember that this is general information and should not be taken as legal advice.
How can I be prepared in case I encounter ICE?
Speakers for the “Know Your Rights” workshop outlined tips for those who may deal with being detained. They mentioned having a designated person to locate important documents like passports and green cards, planning for childcare, and preparing family members in the event of an emergency.
According to Park, having an updated license or ID is important. Effective May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be the required, federally accepted form of identification used for things like boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. According to CARECEN, using a non-REAL ID after the effective date may alert an immigration officer that one may not have legal status. Park and Concha advise anyone to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.
How can I tell if someone is an ICE agent?
CARECEN brought up how to identify or differentiate between ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Border Patrol. ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in uniform can be identified by their vests that say “POLICE ICE,” “CBP” or “POLICE U.S. BORDER PATROL.” Border Patrol vans are white with either a green or dark blue diagonal stripe across the back doors and have lights on the roof. The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice has a visual diagram that can be referred to.
What tactics can ICE use against me?
According to CARECEN, ICE officers may use tactics that involve misidentifying themselves and coercion to get into homes, make an arrest or get information on someone they’re looking for.
They mention that some of the tactics ICE can use may include posing as local police, pretending to be a civilian, making up a story that someone is a victim of identity theft, or falsely implicating loved ones in crimes they claim they are investigating.
What should I do if ICE is at my door?
CARECEN mentioned that if an ICE officer tries to get into someone’s home, they should not open the door. They may speak with them through the door, and ask the agents to provide a warrant and ID.
Speakers at the workshop emphasized the importance of remembering that ICE cannot enter one’s home without a valid judicial warrant. They cannot use an administrative warrant, and knowing the difference is important. Examples of judicial warrants and administrative warrants can be seen in the Family Safety Guide made by the Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success, along with more information used to help plan.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and CARECEN, one must know and assert their rights if approached by ICE or CBP. Everyone holds the specific rights to keep themselves safe, including the right to stay silent, the right to refuse to sign anything and the right to an attorney. If a non-U.S. citizen is approached, they have the right to call their consulate.
What if I’m afraid to say my rights or forget what to say?
CARECEN reminded attendees of the workshop to stay calm if faced with these situations, and not to speak unless it is to ask for a lawyer or attorney. One may ask if they are free to leave. If agents say yes, calmly walk away. If one is afraid to speak, they should carry a red card with them.
Red cards are free and accessible at Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC). These are small, informational cards one can keep in their wallet or purse that state their rights. The Grads to Be center provides red cards in different languages and stocks the library, the Admissions and Records office and the counseling center with them.
What should I do if I witness an arrest?
The ACLU details that when one is approached by an officer or witnesses someone being approached, not to interfere with the arrest. It can put the witness or the people around them in danger. If one is approached, they should not lie or give false documents as that can be used against them in court. After the event, one should take notes on everything that happened, keeping the notes in safe records while consulting their attorney.
The ACLU states that if one is a witness to an arrest or to someone being approached by ICE, they have the right to document the arrest by filming on their phone. Do not interfere with the arrest, film openly and from a safe distance.
CARECEN advises to verbally take notes so it’s documented on video. One should keep the camera on law enforcement, not the person or family, and make sure to get details like what the officer has on them, surrounding landmarks, street signs and time of day. They recommend keeping a six-digit passcode on phones, as passwords are protected and can’t be forced to unlock unless it’s with a face ID, fingerprint ID, or a pattern lock.
What should I do if I or my loved one is detained?
Those who are detained have the right to a hearing and a right to a bond hearing depending on their situation. They also have the right to have an interpreter, the right to an attorney, and the right to contact their consulate.
In the event that a friend or family member is detained, CARECEN and other legal services offer assistance with the legal process. If an immigration case is opened against them, information can be received by calling 808-898-7180 or visiting the EOIR Automated Case Information.
The ICE Online Detainee Locator System can be used to locate detained loved ones by using their full name, birthday, and country of birth. It may take a few hours for them to be populated in the system. Detainees are given wristbands with an A-number, or USCIS number, that can be asked for by calling the detention center they are being held at.