Mayor London N. Breed, Assemblymember David Chiu, City leaders, and immigration rights advocates today expressed their support for immigrants living in San Francisco. Mayor Breed reminded people of their Constitutional rights when interacting with immigration enforcement agents, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
According to media reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to conduct immigration enforcement actions in major cities throughout the country, including San Francisco, beginning this weekend. San Francisco officials will monitor the situation and continue to offer services for all immigrants in the City through the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs.
“It is unconscionable that the Federal administration is continuing to target innocent immigrant families with raids that are designed to inflict as much fear and pain as possible,” said Mayor Breed. “Here in San Francisco, we will always demonstrate our values of diversity and inclusiveness by being a sanctuary city that stands up for all our residents and neighbors. We want our entire community to be prepared and know their rights.”
“As the Trump Administration and ICE once again target our immigrant communities in California, we all must remain vigilant,” said Assemblymember Chiu (D-San Francisco). “If you see a raid occur, reporting that raid can help keep others safe. If you encounter immigration authorities, it’s crucial to remember that you have rights and legal services are available to you.”
“Tearing apart families does not make America safer,” City Attorney Dennis Herrera said. “It does the opposite. It is cruel. It is un-American, and it is simply wrong. We are a nation of immigrants and a country of laws. Deporting someone without giving them an actual opportunity to make their case is not justice. I encourage everyone to know their legal rights. San Francisco supports all of its communities, particularly hard-working families fleeing violence and oppression.”
For information about immigration legal help in San Francisco, go to immigrants.sfgov.org or call the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs at 415-581-2360. Residents can call the SF Rapid Response Hotline at 415-200-1548 to report raids.