Get Ready: Immigration Raids and Information for the Targeted and Allies

Trump isn't going to waste time. We need to be ready.

There’s a lot to talk about and things are escalating quickly. I’ve discussed what I think the second Trump Administration is going to look like, what I think people need to do get prepared, and am rolling out the Audio From A Collapsing State series to go episode-by-episode in detailing what we need to do to organize and fight back. This week I’ll discuss the Trump Inauguration and the developing TikTok debacle, which has the potential to be very, very disastrous in the long run.

Right now, though, I want to get some information out. In the past few days there has been a lot of discussion in insider circles about an immediate wave of immigration raids following Trump taking power. Some of the reports focus on Chicago and New York City being the first targets. Since that has leaked, Border Czar Tom Homan has been on a media blitz casting doubt on whether these reports were true or not, telling any Right Wing journalist or personality that nothing has been decided yet. I have no idea if Homan is being truthful or not. Lying, as you know, is one of the main components of authoritarianism. Regardless, we need to be prepared.

As I’ve said, I do not think the total deportation operation that Trump and company have discussed will necessarily happen. There are economic components, namely that his donors and benefactors in the wealth and oligarchical classes rely on exploiting immigrant labor. But I do think there will be a show of force - as I said in my article regarding what I think will happen over the next couple of years - that will accomplish a few goals: 1. a demonstration of state and law enforcement power meant for immigrants and citizens alike. 2. a fortification and strenghtening of the apartheid state that keeps immigrants terrified and furthers their exploitation. 3. develops widespread cultural support for authoritarian violence relying on rhetorical terms like “criminal,” thereby facilitating capitulation. 4. Manufacturing the appearance of a “strong” president capable of enacting whatever agenda he chooses.

So, considering the situation, we need to get on the same page. Here are some things to consider and have at the ready in case this horror comes to your community.

1. For Immigrants

This is the time to get up-to-date on your rights. Here is a handy primer from the ACLU of Texas that you should become familiar with. Here’s one from the National Immigration Law Center. Law enforcement relies on targets not knowing what their protections are. It would be a good idea to print this information off and have it at the ready considering the information is detailed and, in the middle of an emergency, sometimes adrenaline and terror take over. Do not say anything without legal representation and do not lie to officials or present false documents. These will be used against you. If you do not speak English, request an interpreter. It’s likely, if you live in a big city, that you have an immigrant support or advocacy group in the area. Get in touch with them.

Get your documents in order, including tax returns, bills and lease forms, medical and bank records. Have them at the ready and secured. The last thing you want is to be thrown into this hellstorm and have to react in the middle of a panic.

Talk with your family and make an emergency plan. Share the numbers of local immigration advocacy groups and lawyers.

This is a frightening moment. Awful. But you can assert a measure of control by being prepared.

I’m sorry as hell this is happening. I truly, truly am.

2. For Allies

We’re about to enter some truly ungodly territory and everyone has decisions to make. The first decision is whether you are going to accept this cruel environment. One of the purposes of these actions is to divide people into “in” and “out” categories, and an aspect of this is to force people to choose sides. The terror of watching state power leveled against neighbors, friends, and coworkers can be overwhelming, and in that position many people are going to choose self-preservation. This has massive consequences in your community and in the culture at large.

Let immigrants know that you care. You can ask them if there’s anything they need, but sometimes simply expressing solidarity or support can make a huge difference. If you witness an immigration raid, contact United We Dream at 1-844-363-1423.

Take some time to reflect on this. How horrid it is. What it feels like. Do not allow yourself to become numb to it. We cannot let this systematic abuse destroy our hope or humanity. This is going to be a long, long fight and burnout is a real danger. At the same time, we have to feel what we feel and let our conscience be true. That is a hell of a juggling act and that’s part of the reason this is happening. Talk openly with anyone who will listen about what’s going on. Do not shrug and embrace negativity or pessimisim or a belief that there’s nothing that can be done. Do not capitulate. Do not let allow these bastards to make you feel small and then make yourself smaller.

3. For Protesters

There is a real possibility that some of these actions will result in protests or altercations with the police, ICE, or federal troops. This is going to be a charged environment. Take care of yourself going into these situations and know your rights.

Before you go to a protest or a developing situation, turn your phone into airplane mode, turn off thumprint authentication and facial ID locks. Keep on your person the phone numbers of contacts and legal representation. If you find yourself approached, questioned, detained, or arrested, follow the invaluable legal advice of the National Lawyers Guild of Detroit: Shut the fuck up.

It is legal to film protests and raids, but be thoughtful and do not share anyone’s identity or location. We are going to need to expose this violence for what it is but we should not do so at the expense of the safety of already vulnerable people. Before you go to protest or before you document any of this, become acutely familiar with your rights. Again, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to print these things off to have at your disposal when things get heated.

This would also be a good time to start introducing yourself to basic first-aid, as well as necessary preparation and treatment for exposure to tear gas and pepper spray.

4. For All of Us

This is going to be rough. We’ve already seen how things are picking up prior to the inauguration and I think, if you’re paying attention, you already have a pretty good idea of how quickly this is picking up speed and power.

We’re about to dive into this thing. Taking care of yourself is going to be paramount. There are some simple suggestions but they’re important regardless. Drink water. Get rest. Pay attention to what’s going on but do not do it to the point of hurting yourself. Find the things that replenish you. Get involved locally and in your workplace. Solidarity is going to be essential to pushing back against this but is also going to play a huge role in keeping your hope alive.

We’ll make it through this. I honestly believe we’ll fight and win and realize a better future. But what happens in that future depends on what we do now. Things are going to happen fast and they are going to try us like we’ve never been tried before. We need to be prepared to meet the moment.