The Mountaineers
Over the past few months, an increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits and raids on places where people work and gather has been reported across the U.S. and here in Washington State. Having a plan that defines how to respond to an ICE visit is an important way to protect the rights of The Mountaineers and our community.
In partnership with immigration attorneys from the Seattle law firm, Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland, Mountaineers staff has been developing an ICE visit response plan for our offices as well as events and activities that may be attended by members of our community.
At Mountaineers event and program locations, specific protocols are in place to protect the personal, private information of our staff and members, and designated staff leaders have been trained to respond appropriately in the event of an ICE visit at our offices. We also recognize the importance for volunteer leaders and members to be well-equipped with information on how they should respond if ICE were to visit an event or activity such as a class, presentation, meeting, or field trip (whether public or private).
ICE Visit Preparedness Training
CEO, Tom Vogl, kicked off the webinar by emphasizing that if there were to be an ICE visit to a Mountaineers event, activity, or facility, our response must be lawful, respectful, and with the goal of protecting the well-being of members of our community.
Attorneys Amy Royalty and Abtin Bahador from Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland went on to share that a legal, appropriate response to an ICE visit is rooted in the U.S. Constitution. They explained that all individuals in the US, regardless of immigration status, are protected by the Constitution, particularly through the 4th and 5th Amendments, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures and ensure due process rights.
Asking to see a valid (judicial) warrant, exercising the right to remain silent, requesting legal representation, documenting the encounter, and remaining calm are all recommended when approached by an ICE agent. Volunteers and members are encouraged to immediately call The Mountaineers Emergency Line (206.521.6030) if ICE visits a Mountaineers event, activity, or facility. Unless a valid judicial (court) warrant is provided, and agents show a government ID badge, individuals should not be given access to private areas such as meeting spaces, offices, and vehicles.
Amy and Abtin shared the important differences between public and private spaces and also explained that different laws may apply at border crossings where specific ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) enforcement protocols exist. It’s important for anyone interacting with ICE or CBP to stay calm and refrain from providing information without proper authority. Reviewing warrants carefully, asking for identification and badges, and documenting interactions through recordings are all ways in which individuals can protect their rights.
ICE Visits and Youth Programs
Because some ICE agents choose to wear plain clothes and masks, there is a possibility that an unauthorized individual could pose as an ICE agent to gain access to a child.
It’s unlikely that ICE agents would talk to our youth participants, so it is critical for anyone responsible for youth in a Mountaineers program to verify the adult’s identity and possession of a judicial warrant.
It’s also important to remember that Mountaineers staff and volunteers are not authorized to disclose personal information about any member (youth or adult) to anyone, per our member privacy policy. Youth may only be released to an individual listed on their authorized pick-up list who shows picture ID verifying their identity.
Like with any other Mountaineers event, activity and facility, if ICE visits a Mountaineers youth program, immediately call The Mountaineers Emergency Line (206.521.6030) so trained staff can help appropriately navigate the situation.
We encourage you to watch the recorded webinar for more information.
