‘Knowledge is powerful’: Richmonders gather to learn about their rights when facing ICE

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — More than 100 people packed the pews at Bon Air United Methodist Church in Richmond Thursday night to learn about their rights when it comes to federal immigration enforcement.

The Feb. 5 meeting was hosted by Richmond Defensa, a community organization focused on protecting immigrant communities.

Organizers said attendance at their "know your rights" trainings has been steadily growing.

"Knowledge is really powerful -- [we're] just making sure everyone knows our rights and knows what to do when ICE potentially breaks our rights," said Violeta Vega, an organizer with Richmond Defensa.

Vega said the organization recently increased the meetings from monthly to weekly as more people look for information and ways to get involved.

"It is scary, but when we come together, that’s our strength," she said.

This comes after heightened concerns around immigration enforcement nationwide following the deadly shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

"A lot of what I’ve been seeing is people really be[ing] empowered by seeing what Minnesota did -- getting out in the streets in huge numbers," Vega said.

Attendees of Thursday's meeting were taught how to identify federal agents, with organizers noting that agencies beyond U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) -- such as the FBI and DEA -- have assisted in immigration raids.

"We record their activity, we use our rights, and we do not want to ever interfere," Vega said during the training. "Remember the attributes of the vehicles. Very commonly, you’ll see extremely dark-tinted windows. You'll see the driver and passengers have their faces covered."

Vega also stressed that officers must have either consent or a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter or search private property, including homes.

"It’s always good to just keep the door closed and don’t answer any questions," she said.

If agents do enter a home, organizers encourage people to document everything by recording and calling for help.

"With any other city, what I recommend is really build that ship before the storm," Vega said. "We don’t know what’s going to happen, but all we can do is be prepared."

Richmond Defensa emphasized that the group does not provide legal advice. Information on upcoming meetings can be found on their social media.

For more information on what your rights are when interacting with ICE agents, click here.