ALBUQUERQUE, NM—After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted sweeps through communities in Southern New Mexico this week and amidst reports today that ICE may be conducting immigration stops in Albuquerque’s immigrant-rich South Valley neighborhood, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico has made ‘Know Your Rights’ materials available in 11 languages on its website.
“It is imperative that immigrant families understand the rights they have when interacting with immigration agents,” said ACLU of New Mexico Executive Director Peter Simonson. “Our know-you-rights materials provide guidance on how to protect yourself in a variety of different situations including what to do if you’re stopped by law enforcement agents, your rights when asked your immigration status, and what to do if you are taken into custody.”
The ACLU of New Mexico is further encouraging New Mexicans to download the ACLU of New Mexico Mobile Justice App to document any interactions with immigration officers. The Mobile Justice App, available for free download on Apple and Android phones, allows users to record police interactions and save the footage to a secure ACLU server, as well as make legal complaints directly to the ACLU from their phone.
“We’ve received reports that ICE is conducting raids in neighborhoods that are home to many immigrant families in our community,” said Simonson. “We encourage people to use the Mobile Justice App to document any interactions with ICE during any raids, stops, or checkpoints. This evidence could be important in determining whether or not ICE is conducting these sweeps in a constitutional manner.”
If anyone feels their rights have been violated while interacting with police, immigration agents, or other law enforcement, they can file a legal complaint with the ACLU of New Mexico through its legal intake form online.
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