ICE in Erie: PA United's Rapid Response Network Established to Increase Protections, Inform Neighbors

(C) 2024 Lawrey Anstis

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity ramps up in Erie, local community organizers have established a rapid response network for concerned citizens to report potentially unlawful or unconstitutional ICE activity.

I'm writing this because many people in our immigrant and refugee communities are scared and unsure where to turn. I've heard it in conversations with neighbors, families, and faith leaders. People don't know what information is reliable, what their rights are, or what to do if immigration agents show up at their door, their workplace, or on the side of the road.

Some of that fear comes from misinformation. Some of it comes from real experiences.

Across the country, civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center have documented cases where federal immigration agents have detained people without valid judicial warrants, relied on racial profiling, or entered homes without legal authority. When that happens, it shakes trust and puts families at risk.

Here in Erie County, many social, community, and faith leaders have come together because we believe we can respond in a better way – calmly, lawfully, and with respect for human dignity. That's why we created the ICE Rapid Response Network. The Rapid Response Network operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When immigration enforcement activity is reported, trained community members respond to observe and document what is happening. We do not interfere with law enforcement. Our role is to make sure agents identify themselves, follow the law, and use valid judicial warrants when the law requires them. Documentation matters. It protects people in real time and helps ensure accountability.

If you see immigration enforcement activity, or if a loved one has been detained, you can call our 24/7 hotline at 814-580-7090. Trained volunteers will answer and help coordinate support. If you want to get involved or learn more, you can reach us at eriedeiced@protonmail.com.

It is also important for people to know their basic rights. No matter one's immigration status, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status. You can say, "I choose to remain silent." You do not have to open your door unless agents have a judicial warrant signed by a judge or you clearly give consent. ICE administrative warrants are not signed by judges and do not allow agents the right to enter a private residence. You have the right to ask to see a warrant through the door and to refuse entry if it is not judicial. You also have the right to a lawyer and should not sign anything you do not understand. Detention does not automatically mean deportation. Many people qualify for bond or other legal protections, especially when support and documentation happen early.

To be clear: we are not protesting or organizing around policy debates or political differences. We are organizing around human dignity and human morality. We believe our community can do better than separating families, placing children in detention, or criminally prosecuting parents who work tirelessly to make Erie County a better place. That is not who we are.

If you feel overwhelmed, afraid, or unsure how to take action, please know this: you are not alone. There are people in this community who think like you, care like you, and are committed to preserving our civil society. You do not need to be an expert. You do not need to be fearless. You just need to believe that dignity is worth defending. There is power in paying attention. There is power in showing up. And there is power in refusing to look away. Protecting constitutional rights protects everyone.

Carlos Mora is an immigrant, concerned citizen, and community member. He is currently the Erie County Organizer for PA United and can be reached at carlos@paunited.org