San Diego Unified reacts to deportation plans
Jan 22, 2025
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Targeting schools, churches and courthouses, the Trump administration says previously identified sensitive areas are no longer safe havens for undocumented immigrants. Administration officials from the Department of Homeland Security will now use “common sense" to arrest undocumented immigrants.
The aggressive new strategy reverses a 2011 policy of not arresting immigrants at schools, houses of worship, hospitals, funerals, weddings and public demonstrations. Local immigration attorneys are advising their clients.
“Regardless of what status you have, you have rights within the United States,” said Morgan Principi, an immigration attorney.
Morgan Principi from Pathways to Citizenship says for her clients in the process to achieve legal status, she has been explaining the procedure and rights surrounding the fourth amendment regarding search and seizure. Principi says people should ask these questions to strangers at the door claiming to be federal agents at the door.
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“Who are you with? Do you have a warrant? Is that warrant with your agent? Most importantly, warrants have to be signed by a judge,” Principi said.
Principi says just sliding this card under the door is also a way for migrants to retain their legal rights if officers do not adhere protocol.
The San Diego Unified School District says they do not collect information on legal status and will not willingly provide information, but if federal officers show court orders the district must comply.
“Know your rights to know what’s likely to happened and to be assured that on campus your immigration status is not an element that we in any way we consider and we will do anything in our power to protect your children and your families,” said Cody Petterson, the San Diego Unified School Board President.