LA is a city rich in diversity, culture, and tradition. Much of this richness is due in part to the labor of immigrants. As a college located in the heart of Los Angeles, in a predominantly Latine/x neighborhood, it鈥檚 important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of its residents, and affirm their right to experience safety, security, and joy in the city they helped create and shape.
On this page, you will find various legal resources and information on navigating the recent anti-immigrant climate in the United States.
You Have Rights
All people in the United States, whether they are citizens or non-citizens, have specific rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws.
鈥 You have the right to refuse consent for immigration of police to search yourself, your car, or your home.
鈥 You have the right to remain silent. If you want to exercise that right, you should say it out loud.
鈥 If you are not a U.S. citizen, you have the right to call the consulate of your home country. Immigration and police MUST let your consulate visit or speak with you.
鈥 You have the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. You may say, 鈥淚 will remain silent until I speak to an attorney.鈥
鈥 You do not have to sign anything that you do not understand.
鈥 You have the right to a copy of all your immigration documents.
Encountering ICE, CBP, or DHS Agents
The college should not disclose any education records, but can share information from the campus directory and other information in the case of a health/safety emergency or via subpoena.
Immigration Agents On Campus
- Do not provide any information to agents or access to nonpublic areas.
- Take detailed notes of encounters with ICE or CBP agents. Request officer names, badge numbers, reason for presence, and documentation authorizing access.
- Unless instructed by general counsel, immigration agents do not have access to any nonpublic areas of campus.
- Do not provide any information to agents. FERPA - Federal Education Rights Protection Act protects students鈥 rights to privacy.
Immigration Agents At Work
- Don鈥檛 run. Stay calm and don鈥檛 run. It can be seen as an admission of guilt.
- Don鈥檛 carry false documents. Providing false documents to ICE may result in deportation and criminal charges.
- Don鈥檛 interfere with ICE Agents. Interfering with ICE agents during a workplace raid may expose you to criminal charges.
- You have the constitutional right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions.
- Keep important phone numbers with you. Keep the phone number of your union and legal services provider.
Legal Resources
Asian Americans Advancing Justice LA (AAAJLA)
AJSOCAL is a social justice organization that protects and strengthens the rights and dignity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, especially those that are most disadvantaged. Find more information at
Legal Aid Foundation Los Angeles (LAFLA)
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved 鈥 leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. Find more information at
Trans Defense Fund LA
Trans Defense Fund LA aims to provide trans individuals living in Los Angeles with safety kits. Through donations from individuals in our community, the Trans Defense Fund has been able to supply over 3,000 individuals with safety kits to date! They also host trauma-informed self-defense classes with the help of an amazing trainer, Vanessa. Find more information at
Transgender Law Center
Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Since 2002 the Transgender Law Center has been organizing, assisting, informing and empowering thousands of individual community members towards a long-term, national, trans-led movement for liberation. Find more information at
Public Counsel
Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as to amplifying the power of our clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. Founded on and strengthened by a pro bono legal service model, Public Counsel staff and volunteers seek justice through direct legal services, promote healthy and resilient communities through education and outreach, and support community-led efforts to transform unjust systems through litigation and policy advocacy in and beyond Los Angeles. Find more information at
Immigrant Defenders Law Center
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) is a next-generation social justice law firm that defends our immigrant communities against injustices in the immigration system. Find more information at
ACLU SoCal
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defends the fundamental rights outlined in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These include the right to freedom of speech and assembly, the right to religious freedom, due process of law, equality before the law and the right to privacy. The ACLU also relies on state constitutional provisions and federal and state laws that further these and similar rights. Find more information at
Bet Tzedek
Bet Tzedek strives for equitable access to justice for all by providing person-centered legal services that integrate with social support services, educate community members with the powerful knowledge of their legal rights, and use collective voice to reform systems. Find more information at
LA LGBT Center Legal Services
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is the nation鈥檚 largest community-based provider of LGBTQ+-related legal services, supported by a team of staff and volunteer attorneys, law students, paralegals, and interns. Find more information at