Protecting Café Communities from ICE Raids: Important Information to Know

For coffee shops wondering how to keep their communities safe in the midst of ongoing deportations, we’ve compiled a list of key things to keep in mind.

BY EMILY JOY MENESES
ONLINE EDITOR

Featured image by Nitish Meena

Several weeks ago, we discussed how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids—part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy—are wreaking havoc amongst communities across the United States. The coordinated raids, which are happening across the country but are primarily concentrated in Los Angeles, Calif., have targeted both documented and undocumented people (often without warrants or due process) and have been an egregious violation of constitutional rights.

Adding fuel to the fire, Donald Trump signed what he’s named the “Big, Beautiful Bill” into law last week, defunding public welfare programs like Medicaid and food stamps, and pouring unprecedented funding into mass deportation efforts. Under the bill, ICE will receive what CBS News calls “the largest infusion of funds Congress has given the federal government for immigration enforcement” (around $170 billion, according to NPR).

Brooke Gray, Director of People at California-based Equator Coffees (which recently led an industry-wide fundraiser for immigrants’ rights), shares why it’s important for members of the specialty-coffee community to take a stand against ICE and the mass deportation policy. “Coffee, at its core, is global. Our industry is built on movement—crossing borders to farm, harvest, produce, roast, serve, and enjoy coffee. Many of the people who make our daily rituals possible are immigrants,” Brooke says. “We can’t celebrate origin stories and farm visits without also acknowledging and protecting the lives of people impacted here in the U.S. This isn’t about politics—it’s about people.”

Protecting Café Communities from ICE Raids: Steps for Coffee Shop Owners to Take

As the duration of the mass raids remains uncertain, we will continue to publish coverage of how they’ve been affecting the coffee community. Today, we’ll talk about protective measures that coffee shop owners can take to help keep staff, customers, and others safe amid ongoing raids.

Inform Your Community Members of Their Rights

Knowledge is power, and a simple flyer explaining a person’s rights can make all the difference as the possibility of a raid looms. Do some research on basic rights and consider working with multilingual folks in your community to create flyers in different languages.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) shares information on the rights that both documented and undocumented people have under the Constitution.

“Regardless of a person’s immigration status, everyone is granted certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. These rights include, but are not limited to:

• The right to due process
• The right to legal representation
• The right against unreasonable search and seizure
• The right to not be arrested or detained without a valid reason
• The right to record interactions with law enforcement

Knowing your rights and protections under the Constitution is the first line of defense. To learn more about what to do during encounters with immigration enforcement agents and police, visit our Know Your Immigrants’ Rights page,” the organization writes on their website.

The National Immigrant Justice Center also shares important information to keep in mind on their website: 

“If you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status: Show your passport, legal permanent resident card, work permit, or other documentation of your status. If you are over the age of 18, you should carry your papers with you at all times.

If you are undocumented: You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with the police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.”

If Possible, Have a Designated Private Area

ICE agents are not authorized to enter designated “private areas” without a warrant that specifically allows them to do so. If possible, have an employee-only space with a sign clearly marking it as private.

Express That You Do Not Consent to a Search

If ICE agents show up at your coffee shop or place of work, clearly state that you do not consent to a search—but do not physically resist. While ICE may enter areas open to the general public without explicit permission, they do not have the authority to detain, question, or arrest anyone without permission.

Ask for a Warrant/Credentials + Document Everything

When dealing with a raid, be prepared to document everything. When ICE agents arrive, ask them for their credentials (full names and badge numbers). Then, request any warrant or official documentation they may have regarding the search. If they don’t have a warrant, calmly ask them to leave.

If they do have a warrant, make sure it’s a judicial warrant (signed by a judge), not an administrative warrant. (Keep in mind that an administrative warrant will not allow ICE entry into private areas without your consent.) Read the warrant carefully—it should specify what areas and items ICE is authorized to search. ICE is not authorized to search areas or inspect items that are not described in the warrant: Make sure they are aware that you know this.

As the search takes place, assign someone to write down everything: Date, time, and location of the search; names and badge numbers of all agents present; areas searched and items seized; conversations had with agents; any misconduct or mistreatment from agents (i.e. refusing to provide credentials). Remember: You have the right to record any interaction with ICE agents.

Know What to Do if Someone Gets Arrested

Should anyone in your shop get arrested, ask ICE agents for the person’s A-number (a 9-digit number), which should be given upon arrest. Later on, you will be able to use this number to locate the arrested person using this website. Make sure you have the phone number of a rapid response hotline on hand so that you can reach out to them as soon as possible.

If possible, you’ll also want to make sure the person who has been arrested has legal representation. Click here for a list of pro-bono legal services, or visit LawHelp.org to locate free or low-cost immigration help in your area.

Connect with Local Organizations

Find out what organizations in your area are working to respond to ICE raids: whether it’s hotlines to report ICE sightings, grocery delivery services for undocumented community members, or fundraising campaigns for undocumented folks who are currently unable to work. There’s power in numbers—and no one should have to face this situation alone.

An Ongoing Effort

As the situation unfolds, we’ll keep an eye out for more helpful resources to share with the Barista Magazine community—stay posted for more.

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