{"id":28001,"date":"2025-01-24T09:21:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T16:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peninsula360press.com\/?p=28001"},"modified":"2025-01-27T18:08:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T01:08:46","slug":"erika-portillo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peninsula360press.com\/en\/erika-portillo\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d lawyer tells immigrants in the face of massive ICE raids"},"content":{"rendered":"

listen to this note<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Erika
Erika Portillo, an immigration attorney with 18 years of experience defending the rights of migrants, says that information and preparation are the best tools to face any situation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

News about immigration raids and mass deportations can generate fear and anxiety in migrant communities, so it is important to know that information and preparation are the best tools to face any situation, warned immigration attorney with 18 years of experience, Erika Portillo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The lawyer from Golden Gate University School of Law and the National Autonomous University of Morelos State, who has dedicated her career to defending the rights of migrants and guiding them through the most difficult moments, especially in family matters and removal proceedings, gave a clear message: \u201cNot everything is as it is painted. Know your rights and prepare yourself, because that can make the difference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In an exclusive interview with Pen\u00ednsula 360 Press, the litigator offered a \u201cpractical guide\u201d based on her experience, \u201cwe can call it the ABC that every migrant should know to protect themselves and act safely; it is clear, accessible and useful advice for everyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What to expect from migration policies<\/b><\/p>\n

Portillo clarifies that raids are not usually indiscriminate. \u201cThe initial focus of the authorities will be on people with serious crimes or with deportation orders who never attended their hearings. In addition, in states like California, the police do not cooperate with immigration in minor cases.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He explained that a common scenario is that officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in the United States arrive with a specific order for one person, but take the opportunity to question other people present.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say that you do not have documents, they already have a basis to take you away. That is why it is essential to know that you have the right not to answer questions about your immigration status.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

A: Prepare for the unexpected<\/b><\/p>\n

Preparation is your first line of defense. Erika Portillo insists that being prepared will give you confidence and help you handle any situation calmly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Always have your documents at hand:\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n