Redwood City – San Mateo County is offering a free Facebook Live session to address legal rights and provide information to residents regardless of citizenship status.
A session in English will be held at 4:30 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 27, followed by a Spanish session at 5:15 p.m.
The County’s Office of Community Affairs Immigrant Services will be joined by representatives from Faith In Action and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County.
“The goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about their constitutional rights and provide crucial resources to everyone, regardless of immigration status,” said Emma Gonzalez of the County’s Office of Community Affairs.
“We focus on educating the public about their basic rights and how to stay calm and prepared when interacting with law enforcement, including ICE,” Gonzalez said. “Ultimately, we want to create a safe and informed community where people understand how to protect themselves and their families in case of an emergency.”
The Facebook Live event will reinforce that every person in the United States, regardless of immigration status, is guaranteed certain protections under the Constitution.
Representatives will also provide guidance on how to prepare, plan and respond due to potential changes to the nation’s evolving immigration system.
The County’s Board of Supervisors has reaffirmed its commitment to diverse and historically marginalized groups. The County has been recognized as a Certified Welcoming place by Welcoming America, the first county in California to achieve the distinction for its commitment to immigrant inclusion and belonging.
Action steps include supporting a Rapid Response Hotline and hosting a series of “Know Your Rights” workshops, including this Thursday’s Facebook Live.
The Rapid Response Hotline -- (203) 666-4472 -- provides 24/7 dispatch services to connect individuals impacted by ICE actions with legal resources, attorneys and information about their rights.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org