CONTINUED - WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TRUMP AFTER JANUARY 20 - PART 3

Again thanks to the National Immigration Project report for providing much of this information.

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Can Trump bring criminal charges against people for helping the immigrant community and participating in demonstrations?

It is possible that the Trump administration may threaten organizations that protect and attempt to help the immigrant community with criminal or criminal charges, however the U.S. Constitution gives protection to immigrants and other persons whether they are citizens or non-citizens who organize and participate in non-violent community demonstrations.

In the past prosecutions against pro immigrant organizations failed because there is this protection in the constitution regarding freedom of assembly and right to criticize the government, there are also several lawyers in the National Lawyers' Guild who are willing and ready to defend these people in case the Trump administration attacks them. Remember that fear is what gives them the most power and we must continue in the fight.

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Trump's collaborators have said they will attack Sanctuary Cities, what does that mean?

Several cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even Grand Rapids, have come out in favor of defending immigrants and are called "Sanctuary Cities", which means that immigrant people without legal status can feel safer in those cities, Trump supporters are trying to intimidate these cities by threatening to crack down harder. Especially the person they are proposing to be their new so-called “czar” or special in charge of the borders, Tom Homan, has made statements against Chicago and other cities.

You should know that the so called sanctuary cities have already in the past fought both politically and in the courts against these threats and will continue to do so, we will continue to ask Grand Rapids and other cities in Kent County to also stand up for immigrant rights, not be afraid and pass policies that prohibit local government from cooperating with ICE and, if necessary, fight back against Trump supporters.

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WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO TO PREPARE THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR COMMUNITY.

It is important that especially people who are not legally in the U.S. or are in the process of legalizing their status, prepare. As in cases of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc., they should prepare themselves and as a family develop a plan especially for the care of minor children by granting powers of attorney so that in case the parents are detained by immigration, people they trust such as relatives or friends can take care of them; they should also memorize phone numbers, names of important medications, have their documents in a place where if necessary they can have them at hand; they should also have in mind an attorney or legal service that can represent them and have the numbers to call for help in case they are detained by ICE. In Grand Rapids there is a program called ICE Rapid Response, the phone number to call is 616-238-0081, the people speak Spanish and English.

It is also good to have an idea of what kind of consideration they can apply for if they are detained for example the consideration called Cancellation of Removal is for people who have at least 10 years living in the United States and can prove that their immediate family members such as children under 21, spouses or parents who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents will suffer extraordinarily if they are deported; they should also keep in mind where they can go if they need to pay a bond such as the Kent County Bail program and if they need more information they can also call my office.

In the following weeks we will have information of several workshops in different schools and churches so that people can be better prepared.

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BIG MARCH AGAINST DEPORTATIONS

I want to invite you to participate in the Great March this coming MONDAY JANUARY 20 AT 4PM in GRAND RAPIDS CENTER at Rosa Parks circle to protest against Trump and his deportation plans.

Thanks to Cosecha for organizing the march!