Resources for immigrant communities.
Updates for Little Tokyo stakeholders.

Immigration Resources

Know Your Rights (Information from ACLU)

Your Fundamental Rights During ICE Encounters:

Your rights

  • You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. (In some states, you may be required to provide your name if asked to identify yourself.)

  • You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.

  • If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.

  • If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you. You can ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.

  • You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports, and for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)

What to do if you are arrested or detained 

  • Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.

  • If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.

  • If you have been detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention.

  • Remember your immigration number ("A" number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.

  • Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.

  • If you are a non-citizen: Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status. Don't discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. While you are in jail, an immigration agent may visit you. Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer. Read all papers fully. If you do not understand or cannot read the papers, tell the officer you need an interpreter.

If you believe your rights were violated

  • Write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.

  • If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.

  • File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.

If you see ICE or know a person that has been detained, use CHIRLA’s Rapid Response line by calling 888-624-4752. 

 

Further Know Your Rights Information:

For Students (The National Immigration Law Center)

For Places of Worship (Immigrant Defenders Law Center)

For Hospitals (Immigrant Defenders Law Center)

For Immigrants If Detained (The National Immigration Law Center)

For Workplaces (The National Immigration Law Center)

For Nonprofits (Public Counsel)

What to do if a loved one is detained (The National Immigration Law Center)

Toolkits & Other Information

CHIRLA Resources

The National Immigration Law Center Resources

Immigrant Defenders Law Center Resources

LAUSD Resources

LAPL Toolkit

Message from the Little Tokyo Community Council

Little Tokyo has been heavily impacted by the deployment of the National Guard, Marines, and ongoing protests in our neighborhood.

Little Tokyo is built by and for immigrants. We understand the outrage and fear that many are feeling, especially given that many of our residents, community members, and workers are immigrants themselves.

With this in mind, we want to keep our neighborhood safe for all, including small businesses and our institutions. We will continue to monitor the current situation and keep you updated on any information regarding businesses, facilities, and events that are affected as best we can.

Thank you to those who have reached out to ask how they can help. We encourage community members to reach out directly to organizations to offer support at this time.

We remain dedicated to uplifting our Little Tokyo small businesses and community, and appreciate the continued support you have shown our neighborhood. Please stay tuned for more information to come regarding clean up, and resources.

Stay safe Los Angeles.

RESOURCES TO PROTECT YOURSELF & COMMUNITY:

HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LITTLE TOKYO:

  • Little Tokyo Sparkle - stay tuned for more updates on future clean-ups

  • Support Little Tokyo small businesses - our businesses have been affected on many levels, please continue to show them your support!

Updates for Little Tokyo Community
Related to Protest Impacts

Emergency Little Tokyo Sparkle! A Clean CA event, Emergency Sparkle is hosted by LTPSA, SLT, LTCC, and LTSC (plus many other partners), for Thursday, 6/12, 11:30am. We will be focusing on graffiti and litter, and there will be sign making.

Please be on the lookout for future cleanups!

Temporary Emergency Curfew in Downtown LA

In response to protests, Mayor Bass imposed a limited curfew for all of downtown, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.  .

Who’s exempt:

    •    Residents living within the curfew zone

    •    People experiencing homelessness

    •    Those commuting to/from work

    •    Credentialed media

    •    Public safety and emergency personnel

    •    Individuals traveling to/from medical care or fleeing danger

Essential workers, emergency responders, public works workers, residents, people who work downtown, unhoused folks are all exempt. Hotel and restaurant patrons are not specifically exempt but if they are clearly heading home (to their hotel or leaving DTLA), they will not be stopped by LAPD. 

Implementation: LAPD will not be arresting folks leaving venues after games if they are clearly leaving the area. Loitering will probably get you arrested.