New Hotline Offers Legal Help for Immigrants
An Inland Empire-based nonprofit, TODEC Legal Center, has introduced a new hotline to assist undocumented immigrants as concerns grow over President Donald Trump’s return to office. The organization, which advocates for the rights of immigrants, aims to educate individuals about their legal protections and provide a way to report concerning activities related to immigration enforcement.
Hotline Details and Purpose
The hotline, available at 951-388-2008, was officially announced during a press conference on Tuesday. According to Luz Gallegos, Executive Director of TODEC, the primary goal of the hotline is to ensure that undocumented immigrants are aware of their rights and can seek help when needed.
Gallegos emphasized the fundamental legal rights undocumented individuals have, stating:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to see a judge
- The right to refuse to sign documents
- The right to have an attorney
The organization hopes this hotline will empower immigrants by giving them access to essential information and legal support.
Encouraging Families to Be Prepared
TODEC is also urging families with undocumented members to have a plan in place in case a loved one faces deportation. The nonprofit stresses that misinformation and fear often lead to unnecessary panic, particularly among farmworkers in the Inland Empire.
“There are men and women – workers – who said, ‘Today, I didn’t go to work because there’s a big immigration raid,’ when there wasn’t one,” Gallegos explained, highlighting the fear-driven decisions many immigrants face daily.
How the Hotline Can Help
The hotline will serve multiple purposes, including:
- Informing immigrants of their legal rights
- Providing legal resources and referrals
- Allowing individuals to report suspected immigration enforcement actions
- Offering guidance on how to prepare in case of a deportation
By launching this service, TODEC Legal Center hopes to reduce fear and misinformation while providing critical support to the immigrant community.
As concerns rise with the new presidential term, organizations like TODEC are stepping up to ensure undocumented immigrants have access to accurate information and legal assistance. The hotline (951-388-2008) is a crucial resource for those seeking guidance and support. Families are encouraged to stay informed, be prepared, and reach out to trusted organizations for assistance.
