ACLU-SDIC Urges Public to Know Your Rights and Report Unlawful Conduct to Federal Law Enforcement Abuse Reporting Hotlines

SAN DIEGO - Our region is experiencing a surge in immigration enforcement activity, and the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC) wants the public to know that regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.

We urge the public to visit the ACLU-SDIC Immigrants’ Rights Resource Hub at bit.ly/ImmigrantResourceHub to access Know Your Rights information, including pro-bono resources, printable resources, videos and guidance for sensitive locations during immigration enforcement activities.

ACLU-SDIC Executive Director Norma Chávez-Peterson said, “No one is alone in our region — there is an entire network of local organizations and activists working to support impacted community members and respond to the devastating impacts of federal immigration enforcement in our region. I also want to remind everyone that in order to enter and search your house or non-public areas of a business — like a restaurant kitchen — ICE needs a valid judicial warrant issued by a court and signed by a judge. Know your rights and keep each other safe.”

The ACLU-SDIC is tracking and investigating unlawful conduct by federal immigration agents towards people observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol and other federal law enforcement activity and people protesting immigration enforcement activity.

In March, ACLU-SDIC launched two regional hotlines for the public to report harassment, use of force, racial profiling, warrantless stops and detention from ICE or federal agents.

This confidential legal intake is conducted for the purpose of evaluating and documenting misconduct or unlawful actions by U.S. Border Patrol, ICE and other federal agents.

ACLU-SDIC Legal Director Frederick Carroll said, “Despite what this administration wants us to believe, ICE, Border Patrol and federal agents are not above the law. Nothing about our constitutional protections has changed. We must demand real accountability when federal agents harm members of our communities. We encourage folks to share this hotline with community members and call us if your rights have been violated by these federal agents.”

Call the ACLU-SDIC Federal Law Enforcement Abuse Reporting Hotline to report unlawful contact:

• San Diego County hotline: 619-467-1663

• Imperial County hotline: 760-645-9335

You can also use our online reporting form at: intake.aclu-sdic.org/ice.

Although your response is privileged and confidential, completing this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Submitting this form does not guarantee that we are able to offer legal assistance.

Please be aware that all legal claims have time deadlines, and those deadlines vary depending on the type of claim. Our office does not give advice about deadlines. To protect your rights, please consult with an attorney promptly about deadlines that apply in your case.