Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Since last Thursday, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 4,500 people nationwide, including an unspecified number in the Rochester area.
MORE: ICE reports thousands of arrests in first days of Trump’s immigration crackdown
The operations have caused panic among some community members. 13WHAM talked Tuesday to immigration attorney Anthony Guidice about the situation.
“I’ve gotten calls all morning, yesterday, this morning,” said Guidice, who has received numerous reports of ICE activity in Rochester, Henrietta and Geneva.
MORE: Geneva residents on edge after reported ICE sightings | Rochester mayor addresses presence of immigration officials in the region
Guidice expressed concern over the tactics used by ICE.
“I haven’t talked to anybody that’s committed any crimes,” he said. “They’re just going after undocumented people.”
Guidice emphasized that ICE agents should have warrants signed by a judge when conducting searches or making arrests.
“I don’t think they’re using any warrants,” he explained. “Technically, you should have a warrant unless the subject is going to flee imminently. That’s what their guidelines are, but a lot of times they just ignore that. They just go up to the person, and people usually scared to death, and they freeze and they submit.”
Guidice noted that there is little advice to offer undocumented individuals.
“Unless they’ve got some kind of status, the government can take them, people that are under supervised release,” he said. “They can take them immediately and get rid of them immediately. They’re not entitled to due process.”
According to Guidice, those safe from deportation include individuals with an authorized stay in the country, such as green card holders, asylum applicants, current work visa holders and people on parole.
He also clarified that there are no limitations on where ICE operations can occur.
“ICE can go into anything, they always could do that,” he said. “Sanctuary cities, that doesn’t mean a thing. All that means is that the government, the state employees, the state authorities will not take federal action against them. That’s all sanctuary means doesn’t protect them.”
Reports have surfaced of ICE visiting schools during recent operations, which Guidice confirmed has always been allowed, with the frequency varying based on the administration.
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As an immigration attorney in Rochester, I have been closely monitoring the recent ICE operations in our area and the impact they have had on our immigrant community.
First and foremost, it is important for everyone to know their rights when it comes to interactions with ICE. It is crucial to remember that individuals have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse to sign any documents presented by ICE agents without first consulting with an attorney.
Furthermore, it is important for individuals to have a plan in place in case they or a loved one are taken into custody by ICE. This includes having important documents, such as proof of immigration status and contact information for an attorney, readily accessible.
In my experience, it is also important for individuals to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if they are facing immigration issues. An experienced immigration attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action and help navigate the complex legal process.
I urge everyone in the Rochester area to stay informed and vigilant in the face of ICE operations. By knowing your rights and being prepared, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of an encounter with immigration authorities.
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- Deportation defense
- Immigration rights
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