Immigrant rights advocates confirm that messages have been going out this weekend, asking people to report to the west suburban Broadview Immigration Processing Center. They’re now urging anyone receiving these messages to know their rights.
A spokesperson for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Brandon Lee, tells us what has been witnessed most frequently this weekend, is people showing up to the processing center in response to the texts, and then being fitted with ankle monitors.
As messages continue, with the possibility of being detained, he’s now taking this opportunity to share emergency plan essentials to prepare in advance.
“That includes having at least one phone number memorized, which could be an attorney, a loved one, or a hotline number. Arrange for someone to care for your children and household, and make sure that your key documents are in a safe place”, Lee said.
It’s also important for everyone to know their rights, according to Lee, which include the right to remain silent and to not sign any documents, the right to clearly state if afraid to return to a country of origin and to speak with the consulate of that country, along with the right to ask for an attorney, to which Lee says a legal consultation should be done prior to arriving at the Broadview Immigration Processing Center.
ICIRR’s family support network hotline can also be reached at 1-855-435-7693.