Immigration changes prompt trainings for UA students and staff
A pair of University of Arizona groups are hosting "Know Your Rights" trainings to help the school's immigrant community navigate changes sparked by sweeping immigration changes and Proposition 314.
Sweeping immigration changes enacted by the new administration coupled with the passage of Proposition 314 in Arizona has caused fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities across the state, including on the University of Arizona campus.
To address the concerns, students and workers groups have started rolling out training and information sessions to help educate students and staff on their rights.
On Friday, the UA’s Guerrero Student Center hosted a “Know Your Rights” training with the Arizona Center for Empowerment, with a few dozen members of the campus community attending the event in search of answers.
Organizers Rocky Rivera and Arnold Montiel walked participants through an interactive slide show that included role playing and videos, offering insight on how to handle encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements agents.
“One thing we are trying to do as an organization is to change the messaging behind our undocumented community,” Rivera told attendees. “Only 3% of our undocumented community is responsible for any kind of violent crime. Our undocumented community makes up 25% of the workforce in Arizona.”
Tucson print shop The Gloo Factory has been printing and distributing red cards listing undocumented citizens'' constitutional rights along with tips on what to do when dealing with an immigration agent. Courtesy of The Gloo Factory.
Many of the scenarios presented in the training offered advice paired with legal protections. The pair advised participants to not open their doors for immigrant agents, telling them to insist the agent return with a warrant signed by a judge.
Rivera said staying calm is critical, along with not doing anything to further escalate the situation. It’s also important to write everything down for reference. They also advised the audience that if they are detained, they should not sign anything until a lawyer is present.
“These agents are going to operate with a new level of immunity,” (I think this should be impunity)Montiel said. “They are going to do whatever they feel they have to because they can get away with it.”
All participants received a double-sided red card listing the card carrier’s constitutional rights and tips on what to do when dealing with an agent. Rivera said exercising one's rights during these types of encounters is key.
The training also detailed how to handle arrest and deportation, with Rivera and Montiel reminding attendees to have a plan and critical documents, such as wills and custody documents, ready and in place.
“If you are deported the system treats you as if you have died,” said Rivera. “Your kids will go into the system.”
United Campus Workers Arizona will be holding its own “Know Your Rights” sessions, focusing on immigration in the workplace.
The first training is Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. It will be conducted in Spanish and co-hosted by Maxwell Ulin, an attorney with UNITE HERE Local 11.
The second session in English is next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., with both sessions to be held virtually.
McKenna Manzo is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at mckennamanzo@arizona.edu.
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