When ICE comes to Work
by Jessica Brown, TCWC Social Work Intern and Community Organizer
We’ve gotten a number of calls at the Tompkins County Workers’ Center from people asking what to do in the case that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) comes to work. The National 
Immigrant Law Center has created this guide to help you know what to do if ICE comes to your business. Become prepared to respond by learning to recognize a warrant, knowing what ICE can and can’t do in your business, and what to do after they leave.
In Tompkins County, we have the Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition Rapid Response network. The Rapid Response number is 607-358-5119. Call this number any time if you are witness to an immigration arrest. If possible, please note the name and birthdate of the person arrested as well as any other contact information for friends and family. The hotline can connect you with support services including sending someone to observe and document the arrest. Afterward they can also help with referrals for legal help, and follow up to find the person and support them if they are locked up.
If you can get more involved there is a training coming up on Sunday January 28th from 2-4pm at Unitarian Church Annex, 208 E. Buffalo Street (2nd floor), Ithaca. For more information or to RSVP please email Carlos at guty712@gmail.com. You can also “like” the Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition on Facebook.
If you have questions about this or other workplace issues you can also call the Tompkins County Workers Rights Center @ 269-0409 or email TCWRH@tcworkerscenter.org.
January 25, 2018 @ 1:35 pm
I am interested in being helpful to people who are getting arrested by ICE and their families.
I don’t know what to do.
What will the training on Sunday include and is that a good way to start?
Thank you
Yvonne Fisher