1. Prepare with a Family Safety and Detention Plan: Unfortunately, the reality for many families impacted by immigration concerns necessitates proactive planning. Developing a family safety and detention plan is a crucial step, not out of fear, but out of foresight and care for your loved ones. This plan should clearly outline:
- Designated Caregivers: Who will care for children or dependents if parents are detained?
- Emergency Contacts: A list of trusted individuals, lawyers, and consular officials.
- Important Documents: Where are essential and critical documents stored (birth certificates, passports, immigration papers)?
- Financial Information: Access to funds, passwords, and required accounts.
- Communication Plan: How will family members stay in touch if separated?
- "Know Your Rights" Information: Be aware of your rights if approached by immigration officials.
- Check-in Protocol: Establish a consistent check-in schedule for family and friends.
The Dreamers Resource Center offers printable templates and resources (in English and Spanish) available to help you create a comprehensive plan. Please visit us during office hours or check our website at https://gorio.page/AhkZH to access these vital tools. Taking this step can provide immense peace of mind.
2. Prioritize Your Well-being: Mental Health Support for Our Community: It is absolutely vital to take care of your mental and emotional health during periods of heightened stress and uncertainty. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or scared is a valid response, and you do not have to bear these burdens alone.
- For Rio Hondo College Students:
You have multiple opportunities and avenues of support to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Free, confidential therapy and counseling services are available, and taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of these invaluable resources.
- UndocuTalks: The Dreamers’ Resource Center will be hosting UndocuTalks, a hybrid forum specifically designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for discussion. Please see the flyer here.
- On-Campus Services: You can reach Student Health & Psychological Services at the Student Health Center, Student Services Building, SS230, or by calling (562) 908-3438. You can also email them at StudentHealthCenter@riohondo.edu. For crisis assistance, call the same number and request a crisis appointment.
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- Virtual Health and Well-Being Resources: Access convenient virtual support through TimelyCare, available on the TimelyCare app or by visiting timelycare.com/riohondo.
- For Rio Hondo College Employees (Faculty, Staff, Administrators): Rio Hondo College provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through LifeWorks. This program offers confidential counseling, legal, and financial referrals 24/7. Please utilize these benefits designed to support your well-being.
- LifeWorks Phone Number: (877) 234-5151
- LifeWorks En Español: (888) 732-9020
- For the General Public: If you are seeking mental health support, many local non-profits and community organizations offer free or low-cost therapy, including group therapy sessions.
- Immigrants Rising: Offers free online Wellness Support Groups specifically for undocumented individuals . Visit immigrantsrising.org/resource/mental-health-resources-for-undocumented-people/ for more information and to sign up.
- Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: Provides free, ongoing support and crisis services. Phone: (888) 807-7250. New client intake resumes July 2025.
- Southern California Counseling Center: Offers psychotherapy on a sliding scale. Phone: (323) 937-1344.
- You can also contact the Dreamers Resource Center, and we can provide referrals to trusted community partners.
3. Be an Active Ally and Support Your Community: Your desire to help makes a tangible difference. Here are ways you can act and show solidarity:
- Support Local Organizations: Many trusted organizations in our surrounding communities are on the front lines providing direct legal, social, and financial assistance to immigrant families. Consider reaching out to volunteer, donate, or amplify their work.
- In Whittier:
- Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLAS): Provides immigration, domestic violence, and family law services. Phone: (800) 834-5001. (Based in Norwalk, serves Whittier area).
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) - East LA Office: Offers a comprehensive range of immigration legal services. Phone: (213) 640-3883 or Toll-free: (800) 399-4529. (Serves in the Whittier area).
- In Montebello/South El Monte/El Monte (and broader LA County):
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): A leading immigrant rights organization offering legal services, community organizing, and advocacy. Immigrant Assistance Line: (888) 624-4752 (888-6-CHIRLA).
- Central American Resource Center (CARECEN - Los Angeles): Provides naturalization, DACA, and other immigration legal assistance. Phone: (213) 385-7800.
- International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA): Offers naturalization, family petitions, DACA renewals, and more. Phone: (323) 264-6217.
- In Pico Rivera (and broader LA County):
- Most organizations serving Whittier and Montebello also serve Pico Rivera.
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): (See above)
- Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLAS): (See above)
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL): Provides immigration services. Phone: (888) 349-9695.
- Check In On Your Neighbors: A simple act of kindness can mean the world. If you know immigrant families in your neighborhood, consider offering practical support. Are they too scared to go out? Offer to do a grocery run, walk their dog, or simply be a friendly, reassuring presence. Building community bonds is crucial.
- Report Sightings and Misinformation: Stay informed and vigilant. If you witness or hear about any suspicious activity, ICE sightings, or potential immigration enforcement, report it to rapid response networks or trusted legal organizations in your area. This helps activate support and monitor situations.
- Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN): While Rio Hondo is in Los Angeles County, this is a very active rapid response network in the broader region. Hotline: (714) 881-1558. Email: casereferral@ocrapidresponse.org.
- Los Angeles Rapid Response Network (via CHIRLA): You can use the CHIRLA hotline mentioned above for reporting: (888) 624-4752.
- People Over Papers Live Padlet: You can submit anonymously or view live ICE sightings posted by community members using the link: https://gorio.page/nSoMJ
- Instagram Community Pages: Stay updated by following various Instagram community pages for live ICE sightings.
- El Monte: @elmontenews
- Baldwin Park: @baldwinpark_
- Whittier: @whittier562news
- La Puente: @lapuente626sgv
- West Covina: @westcovina626sgv
- Advocate for Policy Change: Stay informed about legislative efforts and calls to action. Contact your elected officials to express your support for humane and comprehensive immigration reform. https://gorio.page/BHRFD
- Educate Yourself and Others: Continue to learn about immigration policies, the rights of immigrants, and how to be an effective ally. Share accurate information and counter misinformation respectfully. Look for reputable "Know Your Rights" resources from organizations such as the ACLU, Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC).
