Where detained people go, responsible reporting

“Over the last couple of months, we have seen an increase in people being transferred to other detention facilities, including facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arizona,” Peña said. “That has raised a lot of concerns here locally about where our immigrant community is being taken to.”

Frank Garcia, the executive director of Immigration Counseling Service in Hood River, which provides legal help in immigration cases, has seen that happen. Among a flurry of other calls last week, a client reached out to his office as they were getting arrested, Garcia said over email. The client was immediately moved out of state and deported a few days later. Situations like that, he emphasized, force many immigrants and Latinos to withdraw from community life out of fear.

“This is a terror campaign, plain and simple. ICE is using its presence to inflict fear on marginalized communities,” he said.  “Their indiscriminate arrests are tearing families apart and denying victims their constitutional right to due process.”

Peña said the online tool run by ICE to search for people in detention is a good place for friends and family to start, but cautioned that it is often out of date, and suggested that families of people detained by federal agents reach out for free legal help.

Peña recommended contacting the Equity Corps of Oregon, which refers people to organizations for pro bono legal representation.

Even with the increase in immigration enforcement activity locally, Garcia stressed that careful, fact-based reporting of ICE sightings is crucial to avoid further isolating the Latino community. He encouraged anyone who believes they are witnessing ICE activity in Oregon to immediately contact the PIRC hotline at 888-622-1510. 

If you’re across the Columbia, call the Washington Immigration Solidarity Network (WASIN) at 844-724-3737. For more information about what information you should report — and what rights you have — visit columbiagorgenews.com and search for an article titled, “As deportation fears rise, perspectives from and information for immigrants,” or go to www.oregonforall.us.