Following news of the new presidential administration’s plans for mass deportations, members with SEIU 1021 gathered at the Stockton headquarters on Saturday to learn more about immigrants’ rights.

The session was hosted alongside a group called El Concilio. Together, they went over legal rights and protections for people who are worried they may have to face Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. 

About 45 people showed up to the meeting, which went on for two hours thanks to a high level of interest in the discussion. About half of the attendees were new faces in the crowd. 

Newly-elected lawmakers Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, San Joaquin County Supervisor Sonny Dahliwal, and Stockton City Council Member Mario Enriquez came out to support.

Volunteers with El Concilio shared various tips, including creating powers of attorney for families in case parents are deported and their kids are left in the U.S. They also role-played how to respond to an immigration officer at their door, as well as how to spot the difference between a “no-knock warrant” and an ICE or judge-signed warrant. 

“San Joaquin county is a melting pot. You can’t go anywhere without seeing a multitude of cultures, and that’s what makes it great. But having people too afraid to go to the store or leave their homes is a travesty,” said Chinse Weaver-Daniels, the SEIU 1021 COPE Chair.

There are plans underway to host a second event soon, this time tailored for the Asian American Hmong community.