Standing Together: 3 Steps to Reduce Anxiety Surrounding ICE raids

Standing Together: 3 Steps to Reduce Anxiety Surrounding ICE raids

Here at Health Matters Clinic, we value the health of our community. Recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across the country has increased stress, anxiety, and fear among migrants and citizens alike. While it is difficult to manage stress in such uncertain times, know that you are not alone. Listed below are techniques and resources available to help you and your loved ones.

1. Strategies to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

• Talk to someone you trust: Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, faith leader or community support group can help reduce feelings of isolation.
• Practice calming techniques: meditating, deep breathing, walking or journaling can help reduce stress.
• If you have children, reassure safety: remind them that they are loved, supported, and valued.
• Seek Professional help:  
  
  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) provides a 24/7 mental health help line. Call 1-800-854-7771.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential service also available 24/7. Call 988.

2. Know your Rights

The NAACP highlights key points to remember if you are stopped by ICE:

• Remain calm and do not run away.
• Remember you have the right to remain silent. You can say, “I’m exercising my right to remain silent.”
• You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
• Do not sign anything without the advice of an attorney.
• You have the right to record any interaction with ICE as long as you are not interfering with an arrest.
• You have the right to demand a warrant before allowing anyone into your home. The warrant must be issued by a judge. An “administrative warrant” signed by anyone other than a judge does not give ICE authority to enter your home.

3. Use available resources

Below you’ll find organizations that can provide more information and offer resources for further assistance. You can also find them in the references section below.

• The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs: Provides immigration resources, including financial resources and a “Know Your Rights” toolkit.
• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Provides a printable wallet-sized card to keep on hand. It is available in 56 languages and lists some constitutional rights.
• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants: This is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit international organization that provides legal, social, and health services for refugees, trafficking survivors, and immigrants.

Health Matters Clinic values all members of our community. Together, we can promote the well-being of our neighbors, friends, and family.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional legal advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information is subject to change. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medical issues and before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.

References

• _{988 Lifeline: Homepage.}
• _{Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Red Cards.}
• _{Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Supporting Immigrant Clients.}
• _{Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs: Homepage.}
• _{National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): Know Your Rights.}
• _{U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants: The Dire Mental Health Effects of Restrictive Immigration Policies.}
• _{U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI): Homepage.}