SUPPORT
Our diocese and parishes will continue to offer the same great pastoral, sacramental and practical support as always to all members of the community. Additional support may be needed at this time, which concerned neighbors and Area Catholic Community leadership might consider. Examples include equipping the community on their rights, and families to be as safe and prepared as possible should the unthinkable happen and a family member be deported. Below are resources for immigrant individuals and families, and the parish communities that support them.
In response to the need for direct care assistance (groceries, rent, etc.) for community members impacted by current uncertainties, we ask you to prayerfully consider donating funds, listed items or volunteer. Donate online, drop off items ( between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) or mail gifts to Multicultural Ministries, Diocesan Pastoral Center, 305 7th Avenue North, St. Cloud, MN 56303. For volunteer opportunities, contact Kateri.Mancini@gw.stcdio.org or Mayuli.Bales@gw.stcdio.org.
The list of items needed (PDF)
Know Your Rights: what are the most important things to know?
Are you worried about remembering your rights or saying the wrong thing when approached by immigration enforcement officers? “Red cards” are like a helpful business cards that you can hand to an officer if they approach you in public or slide under the door if they knock and begin to ask questions.
- It is important to remember if immigration agents do show up, everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status.
- Everyone has the right to remain silent. The right to remain silent is a legal right that protects people from being forced to give testimony that could incriminate themselves. It is a fundamental part of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
- The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Do not consent to a search at your home or business or parish unless presented with a lawful judicial warrant (one signed by a judge, not merely an administrative warrant). Do not allow them to enter your property without the proper warrant.
Print and share Know Your Rights (“red cards”) for yourself, family or community. (PDF download)
Imprima y comparta Conozca sus derechos (“tarjetas rojas”) para usted, su familia o su communidad.
We advise printing and carrying these cards, regardless of your nationality or citizenship status. Parishes, schools and organizations are encouraged to make them available for members.
What to do if someone’s been detained by ICE?
Assisting immigrant or refugee family members who have or have loved ones who have been detained, arrested or deported:
- Mexican Consulate: 24/7 emergency line for those looking for a detained family member: Center for Information Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM) (note: this is a national line that will connect you to your local Mexican Consulate location): 1-855-463-6395 (calling from the US); 001-5206-237-874 (calling from Mexico)
- Immigrant Law Center of MN: DETENTION INTAKE: If you are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or calling on behalf of someone in the custody of ICE, please call 651-641-1011 during the following hours to receive assistance: Monday: 2 – 4 p.m., and Thursday: 1 – 3 p.m.
- Other nation’s nearest consulates can be found by selecting Minnesota from the drop down menu part-way down on the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)’s Emergency Preparedness website: https://www.cliniclegal.org/epif.
- If someone has been detained or arrested by ICE, visit locator.ICE.gov to look up where they have been taken; you will need their 8 or 9 digit A-number and place of their birth. Note: sometimes they will not appear in the system for up to 24 hours, or may not show up while they are being moved.
- MN Rapid Response hotlines to report ICE activity:
- 320-470-8460 (Fe y Justicia Immigration alerts and assistance line)
- 612-444-2881 (Monarca Rapid Response) or 651-372-8642 (Monarca Know Your Rights line)
- 612-444-2654 (National Lawyers Guild MN support)
- 651-641-1011 (Immigrant Law Center of MN)
- 612-249-8736 (COPAL MN)
If immigration enforcement authorities appear in your community, attempt to document the following information:
- Date and time of occurrence
- Did agents/officers provide a judicial warrant?
- Get a copy or photo of warrant or warrant number
- Identifying information of agents/officers involved (agency, name, credential or badge number)
- As many incident details as possible. Remember “SALUTE:”
- Size (number of agents involved)
- Activity/Actions
- Location (include address, cross-streets, landmarks, etc)
- Uniform
- Time and date
- Equipment (includes weapons, vehicles)
- Take photographs, video or provide building surveillance footage if possible (remember, you have a constitutional right to observe, including record, any and all happenings)
- If possible, contact local immigration advocacy groups or legal aid organizations to provide support to those potentially affected by the raid. Rapid response hotlines and other helpful contacts are listed above.