LOS ANGELES—As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity ramps up nationally, City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez reminded residents Feb. 13 of a recently launched hotline to report incidents.
A coalition of more than 25 immigrant rights, legal, labor, and faith-based organizations known as the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network (LARRN) created the hotline to report ICE activity, connect individuals with legal aid, and prevent wrongful detentions.
The LARRN’s national Immigrant Assistance Hotline can be reached at 888-624-4752.
Officials encouraged Southern California residents to report immigration enforcement operations in real time, verify ICE activity before sharing on social media, as well as to use the number to receive referrals for trusted legal and support services.
“Community is what keeps us safe,” Soto-Martinez said in a statement. “If you see ICE in L.A., call the Rapid Response Network at 888-624-4752 so we can verify, report and take action to protect those at risk.”
According to Pedro Trujillo, organizing director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, a leading organization with LARRN, they expect more ICE activity in L.A. in the coming days.
The coalition aims to prepare communities through “Know Your Rights” campaigns and referrals to available resources.
LARRN urged residents to verify ICE enforcement actions before sharing on social media to prevent unnecessary fear and confusion.
Misinformation such as AI-generated images and outdated reports can spread panic and divert critical resources from real emergencies, according to the group.
Other members of LARRN include Alliance for a Better Community, Central American Resource Center, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund, Nikkei Progressives, NLG-LA Immigration, Committee Proyecto Pastoral, St. John’s Community Health, Strength Based Community Change, and SEIU Local 721.
In an interview with City News Service (CNS) in late January, Trujillo said the network only comes together during times of crisis or when there’s a heightened threat of ICE activity.
He noted there should not be any legal threats against their work as they are “not” in the business of doing anything illegal.
“We are informing people of their constitutional rights that apply to everyone no matter their immigration status,” Trujillo told CNS.
He noted everyone has Miranda rights such as to remain silent, Fourth Amendment rights against illegal or unreasonable searches and seizures, among other protections.
“The beauty of this work is that anyone can be a first responder, anyone who is a U.S. citizen, or who wants to help out their community,” Trujillo told CNS. “I believe there’s millions of people who are willing to do that and across the country. This is the model that we have.”
