YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Immigrants who suspect they could be detained should develop a preparation plan and know their rights, an official with an organization that works with immigrants suggests.
On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump signed a series of executive orders including those addressing immigration. They include declaring a national emergency at the southern border, realigning the Refugee Administration program and ending automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents without legal status. The latter already faces legal challenges from 18 Democratic-led states.
“I think we’re still hearing more concern from the individuals who are serving, particularly the immigrant population, than we actually are from those who are immigrants themselves,” said Vicki Vicars, vice president of engagement at Thrive Mahoning Valley.
It’s more of an agency concern, she said.
Thrive convenes a regular meeting with other agencies and organizations that work in repopulation, immigration and resettlement.
“I think the group consensus is that there’s some know- your-rights training out there and some preparation plans, so have someone ready to take care of your children. … Have the appropriate paperwork that you might need. Any documentation you have, have that or copies of that, on you,” Vicars said.
It’s also advisable for those concerned about being detained to have plans in place for someone to take care of their house, she added.
“There’s a couple checklists out there of what documentation is important, what preparations are important,” Vicars explained. “So that’s really the biggest thing we’re doing right now is making sure that that information gets out there and trying not to be overly fearful.”
And people tend to be fearful when dealing with the unknown, she said.
A pamphlet from the National Employment Law Project and the National Immigration Law Center titled “What To Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace” lists suggestions for employers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents can enter public areas of a business without permission, the pamphlet said. But no one can enter a private area of a business without permission or a judicial warrant.
“One specific thing is that if ICE shows up, they have to have a warrant looking for a specific person,” Vicars said. “They just can’t do a random sweep. Then the warrant needs to be signed by a judge, and not an immigration court.”
Several Valley organizations and agencies count immigrants among those they serve.
The English Center, founded in 1918, teaches English to non-English speaking adults. Karen Conklin, its executive director, said the organization is moving forward.
“We continue to teach English to those who need it in order to help them find jobs,” she said.
From what she’s gleaned from the executive orders signed so far, Vicars doesn’t expect significant impact in the community yet. The Valley isn’t a border community, and the order ending automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children of people without legal status likely is to be tied up in court for a long time, she said.
Pictured at top: A young man reacts to information on how to prepare for the upcoming changes to undocumented families living in the U.S. on Jan. 19, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo | Marta Lavandier)