“This is an upside-down world right now.”
That was the message from Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, speaking in Marblehead on April 29 about the state of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. Catholic Charities immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis also shared stories of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants trying to navigate the new normal of mass deportations.
At an event organized by the Marblehead League of Women Voters and other groups, Tucker said a few dozen people in Essex County have been scooped up by ICE in the last several weeks, some as they report to court.
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“The most egregious case was a Lynn English High School junior who had a squabble with her little brother,” Tucker explained. “There was a push, and police had to make an arrest. She was picked up by ICE in court and spent five days in custody in Cumberland, Maine.”
Tucker, Congressman Seth Moulton and others fought for her release.
“That should never happen,” Tucker said. “Everybody can have their thoughts on immigration, but this country is not safer because a Lynn English junior was arrested.”
Tucker said he’s concerned that victims, particularly of domestic violence, are not contacting police out of fear they will be deported.
“There are three cases of women, victims of domestic abuse, one case turned into a murder, who were afraid to come forward because they were undocumented,” he said. “I worry very deeply about that.”
When several people at the event asked what they should do if they see someone they suspect is being hauled away by ICE, Tucker offered advice.
“Call 911 to report it,” he said. “And film it with your phone.”
‘Know your rights’
Slavit Baylis, who lives in Marblehead, led a “Know Your Rights” presentation that she gives to her immigration clients. You can view the presentation below.
“I work every day with clients from around the world, and I’ve been to the state-run shelters that are mostly helping the Haitian population that came to Massahcusetts, helping them get visas,” Slavit Baylis said.
She said the Trump administration has frozen or canceled several programs for refugees and asylum seekers, ordering some immigrants to leave the country immediately. Even some of her attorney colleagues who are U.S. citizens have received deportation orders in error.
Slavit Baylis is working with one Afghani man who helped the U.S. during the war against the Taliban and is here on an asylum claim and waiting for his green card. He desperately wants to bring his wife and two daughters to the U.S., but that is becoming less and less likely.
Slavit Baylis emphasized that all immigrants over 18 should carry documentation of their legal status (if they have it) and also a “Know Your Rights” card, similar to a business card, that outlines their rights in English and their native language.
She advised that if someone is approached by ICE they stay silent and present their “Know Your Rights” card. Also, never consent to ICE searching your belongings or entering into your home without a warrant signed by a judge.
Slavit Baylis and her husband, Angus McQuilken, acted out a scene of an ICE agent banging on someone’s door, and how immigrants should respond.
They also distributed information packets to people with the names and contact information of local service organizations helping immigrants, including the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, House of Seven Gables Settlement Association and the International Institute of New England.
