Centro del Pueblo creates ICE-Watch Hotline
Centro del Pueblo has set up an ICE-Watch hotline for the community of Humboldt to keep an eye out for potential immigration officer sightings. The hotline number is 707-200-8091.
“A support system like this one shows that the hate of immigrants has no space, especially during these times, “said Brenda Perez, the executive director of Centro del Pueblo.
The hotline not only helps notify Centro del Pueblo of potential sightings but also helps the stop of misinformation. As of now no immigration officers have been spotted in Humboldt County since 2019.
Perez shared that in 2019 an ICE agent had been spotted in Humboldt and members of CdP were quick to make sure no one was being targeted or taken by ICE. Although the ICE agent had been spotted, no arrests were made.
“People started to live with a lot of panic, so we decided to make an effort to verify information. This is how the hotline started,” Perez said.
The hotline started back in 2016 after Donald J. Trump’s first term in the White House. Centro del Pueblo noticed more physical and verbal violence arising in Humboldt.
The new research and communication specialist Peyton Leone affirmed that the ICE-Watch hotline is a rapid response network that also helps verify misinformation.
“We really encourage people to be critical of the information they see online,” said Leone.
Beside the hotline, Perez and Leone shared three other ways Humboldt community members can help.
- People can become legal observers, this is a training that CdP offers in person and online. By becoming certified people can be a support system for undocumented community members.
- Assisting as community observers is another option. These are people who stand watch in places where ICE would typically be. This can be stores, schools, churches, jobs or even courts. These observers’ role is to call CdP and inform them that ICE is present and to also provide some proof, such as photos or videos.
- People can offer their houses or businesses as a sanctuary for families who are being pursued by ICE.
When you call the phone number there is a group of five people who could potentially answer your call. Perez explained that there won’t be missed calls, the community observers are taking different shifts to ensure calls are answered.
“It will only be in English and Spanish for now,” Perez said.
The hotline has received an average of about 15 calls depending on the day. Some people call to verify if the hotline was legit, others call to give their opinion on the hotline itself. Leone and Perez stressed that the hotline should only be used for ICE sightings and for all other questions or concerns people should email or call the main CdP phone number.
For questions or to get involved with CdP’s efforts to support the undocumented community, you can contact them 707-683-5293.
Instagram: @centrodelpueblo
Email: cdpoutreach@cdpueblo.com
Website: https://cdpueblo.com/
