Standing Up for Immigrant Rights

ICE Raids, Know Your Rights

Dear IBEW Local 11 Members:

From the very beginning, the United States has benefited from the hard work and innovation of immigrants. We also know that immigrants have been exploited and face discrimination. The heartless raids happening in Los Angeles are un-American and must stop. They are not going after the hard criminals! They are targeting families, union members, our neighbors, and friends.

Unless you are Native American, you are a descendent of immigrants, or an immigrant yourself. For those that say, “They are only going after illegals!” You are wrong! We know for a fact that U.S. citizens have been taken into custody by “mistake.” It feels like anyone can be next by being at the wrong place, at the wrong time. I am one generation removed from being an immigrant, I am a proud American who served this Country in the U.S. Air Force. These raids feel personal.

Yesterday, a jobsite our members are on was locked down. Our jobsite was not raided by ICE, but it was just a block away from a jobsite that was. Unfortunately, the GC felt the need to lock down our site. This is not a good sign. ICE cannot differentiate between a Union or non-union job site. If these ICE raids continue, we may see some of our jobsites raided or shut down, not just locked down, by the GC.

Think of your jobsite, immigrants help complete these construction projects daily. If you believe in our I.B.E.W., remember Henry Miller’s vision in our Constitution –

To organize all workers in the entire electrical industry in the United States and Canada…
To cultivate feelings of friendship among those of our industry.
To assist each other in sickness and distress.
To seek security for the individual.
And by legal and proper means to elevate the moral, intellectual and social conditions of our members, their families and dependents…

Know Your Rights

If officers ask you questions, you have the right to say, “I choose to remain silent.”
You have the right to consult with an attorney before answering any questions or signing any documents.
If you have valid U.S. immigration documents, carry them with you.
Unless you consent, a law enforcement officer requires a proper warrant from a court signed by a judge to enter your home.

In Solidarity,