As you may have heard, the Department of Homeland Security / Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided two of our worksites in Mississippi yesterday. In these situations, members, stewards and union officers have rights that they can exercise. And the UFCW International Union is available to help. 

 

Before a raid happens, locals can prepare by negotiating with employers to ensure that only agents with a warrant signed by a judge are allowed on the employer’s property. No other type of warrant allows agents to conduct in-plant searches! Locals can gather contact information for members’ families, including their kids, and arrange for an emergency contact in the event one or both parents are detained. More guidance about raid preparedness is on the attached UFCW fact sheets. 

 

If a raid happens, designate one physical location as a base for all response efforts. Local churches are often safe sanctuaries and willing to help. Set up an intake system and assign one person to coordinate. Set up a time for a community meeting – maybe the first night or the morning after a raid. The attached document “if a raid happens” is a step-by-step guide for emergency response. 

 

Finally, please be in touch with us if you have questions or concerns. 

In solidarity,