INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — An Indianapolis immigration lawyer said Thursday his firm is seeing a surge in calls as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity rises across central Indiana.
Dallin Lykins of Banks and Brower said the firm is receiving many calls from new clients, including some who are in the process of becoming U.S. citizens.
“Now we have to counsel people where we really don’t know what’s going to happen. Even if they do go to their appointments or their hearings and things like that, how they’re supposed to, they still might be detained or put in jail,” Lykins said.
Circle City Broadcasting received several videos and photos showing ICE agents making arrests in public areas.
“My understanding is if the immigration officers are in a public space, they have the authority to detain someone. Outside of that, they’re subject, much like our law enforcement, to the requirement of having a judicial warrant if they want to go into someone’s home,” Lykins said.
Resident Devon Brown recorded video of a man being arrested about 10 a.m. Tuesday at a Marathon gas station on East 38th Street.
“I went in the store, came back out and started videoing. They had him in handcuffs and they just left his car,” Brown said.
Brown said when he returned to the station about 4 p.m. that same day, the man’s car was still at the gas pump.
While Brown said he understands why the arrest was made, he is concerned about agents detaining people in public.
“The process and procedure … are we endangering people? Again, I understand the call or whatever, but now, are we all suffering?” Brown said.
Lykins said national policy changes have made it harder for those in custody to be released.
“A lot of individuals are being asked to go all the way to federal court and get a federal court order. That sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. It can also be very cost-prohibitive for a lot of people. A lot of people are getting released from ICE custody, but it’s becoming a lot more difficult,” Lykins said.
ICE officials did not respond Thursday to questions from Circle City Broadcasting about how long the current operations will last.
Statement from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett:
“The lack of transparency & communication from federal authorities surrounding immigration enforcement in Indianapolis is unacceptable. Please read my latest update and see the resources for all our neighbors at this time.
“In recent days, Indianapolis has seen an increase in ICE activity carried out without any advance notice to my office and without transparency about procedures or intent. Since these operations began, my office has contacted federal authorities who declined to provide us with any information specific to this increased enforcement activity.
“This lack of communication is unacceptable and is causing confusion and fear among our neighbors. Children are afraid to go to school, and parents are afraid to send them. Older residents are skipping medical appointments and trips to the grocery store. That is not law and order; that is cruelty.
“While immigration enforcement is under the authority of the federal government, the City of Indianapolis will continue to demand transparency, due process, and clear communication regarding federal actions. What we have seen in recent days does not meet the standards we expect from our local law enforcement agencies — much less what we should expect from federal officials.
“My responsibility is to protect the safety and stability of this city, and we will continue pressing for federal practices that respect due process, community trust, and the dignity of all who call Indianapolis home.
“KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
“According to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center
“You have the right to remain silent.
“Remain calm and do not run away. If immigrant agents approach you on the street, do not run away, as this could be a reason to arrest you.
“You have the right to demand a judicial warrant before letting immigration agents into your home. You have the right under the U.S. Constitution to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures.
“You have the right to speak with a lawyer if you are arrested. If you are in ICE custody, do not sign anything without speaking with an attorney first as it could eliminate your right to speak with a lawyer or have a hearing in front of an immigration judge.
“For more information, visit: www.ilrc.org“
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