Jan 22, 2025
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Immigrants in South Dakota are worried for their futures after President Donald Trump signed an order to end birthright citizenship and crack down on illegal immigration.  Trump’s executive action ordered the federal government to stop issuing passports, citizenship certificates or other documents to children born in the U.S. whose parents are in the country illegally. The president has also started implementing his plans for mass deportation.  DCI investigating ‘possible explosives’ at new prison site South Dakota Voices for Peace (SDVFP), an organization lobbying and advocating for immigration rights in the state, wants people to know their rights when it comes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  “The biggest fear in the community is what happens if ICE agents show up to my house, to my school, to my employer,” said Taneeza Islam, the CEO for SDVFP. “Our goal right now is to really emphasize what everyone's rights are when approached by law enforcement.” If approached by law enforcement or ICE, SDVFP says you have a right to remain silent, not to answer questions or sign anything without an attorney or to open the door. ICE must also have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home or work.  South Dakota Voices for Peace provides immigration rights resources in multiple languages.South Dakota Voices for Peace provides immigration rights resources in multiple languages. “If people knew their rights, I believe if they really understood the rights of keeping the door closed and asking for a valid warrant then I feel like it would be a little bit less fearful,” Islam said. She noted the uncertainty about how and when Trump’s birthright citizenship order will be implemented, as well as any future orders that may put other forms of immigration at risk.  She’s also worried about the misinformation being spread about immigration rights, ICE authority and whether agents are currently in South Dakota.  To combat this, the South Dakota DREAM Coalition has created a multilingual news source in the top four languages spoken in Sioux Falls schools: English, Spanish, Nepali and Amharic.  The broadcast, News For You, helps non-English speaking communities know about the latest immigration policies nationally and in the state. They just published their first episode on how to interact with ICE agents.  “The DREAM Coalition is working really hard to tell communities that we are the trusted organizations in the community,” Islam said. “We're the immigration experts, so please just lean on us instead of some random person saying ICE is in Sioux Falls.” The coalition is made up of 12 immigrant organizations, including Voices for Peace and the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SDHCC). They are currently trying to raise $100,000, which would fund weekly News For You episodes in four languages for a year.  Selene Zamorano-Ochoa, president of the SDHCC, said the coalition is able to translate news articles and communicate directly with police to clarify misinformation for the community.  She added that it was important for the chamber to be involved with the coalition because of their close connection with Hispanic business owners, they’re able to share access to immigration lawyers and resources.  “Our business partners have been very afraid as to what if it’s during business hours and ICE shows up, what are we supposed to do?,” Zamorano-Ochoa said. “They just wanna make sure that they know exactly what to do so that they don't get in trouble.” Islam stressed the importance of everyone, not just immigrants, knowing their rights when it comes to ICE. The information they’re providing on their website and social media is also for employers, neighbors, healthcare workers and school staff who may encounter ICE agents. “All the people who have the power to open and close the door need to understand how they can protect their immigrant communities better,” Islam said.  More than 20 Democratic state attorneys general, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, have sued the Trump Administration over the birthright citizenship order, saying it violates the 14th Amendment. 
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