PH consulate hosts immigration briefing amid mass deportations
Deputy Consul General and Acting Head of Post Maria Alnee A. Gamble delivers opening remarks. Photo from Los Angeles PCG
LOS ANGELES – As the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement across the US, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles recently hosted the first of two scheduled immigration briefings to support Filipino migrants.
The first installment of the two-part hybrid seminar titled, “Briefing on Immigration Developments for Filipinos in the US,” featured Filipino American legal experts, who addressed community concerns following what has been described as the largest deportation operation in US history.
Deputy Consul General and Acting Head of Post Maria Alnee A. Gamble, who opened the Feb. 18 seminar, highlighted the importance of knowing one’s rights and legal options amid the changing immigration landscape.
Fil-Am immigration law experts discussed the rights of Filipino immigrants and offered practical tips for dealing with immigration authorities.
Atty. Marlon B. Baldomero provided background information on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and what to do when encountering ICE authorities.
Atty. Ed Allan Lindain explained the jurisdictions covered by law enforcement and immigration agents, and the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution.
Meanwhile, Atty. Maria Theresa T. Calimag, with the Reeves Immigration Law Group, talked about people’s rights under the criminal justice system and during removal proceedings.
The session culminated in a Q&A session, where participants sought clarifications on rules they need to follow in specific scenarios.
Closing the briefing, the Consulate reminded Filipino immigrants about their rights and the consular assistance available to them.
The briefing was presented live on the Consulate General’s official Facebook page and may be viewed here.
The second part of the seminar is scheduled for March 13.
Meanwhile, a coalition of more than 25 immigrant rights, legal, labor and faith-based organizations known as the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network has created a hotline to report ICE activity, connect migrants with legal aid and prevent wrongful detentions.
“Community is what keeps us safe,” LA Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez said in a statement. “If you see ICE in LA, call the Rapid Response Network at 888-624-4752 so we can verify, report and take action to protect those at risk.”
