The Los Angeles Rapid Response Network (LARRN) has launched a new hotline to assist undocumented immigrants as deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increase nationwide.
LA City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez recently highlighted the hotline’s role in offering essential support to migrants.
LARRN, a coalition of over 25 organizations focused on immigrant rights, legal services, labor, and faith, created the hotline to track ICE activities and connect immigrants with legal aid.
The hotline, accessible at 888-624-4752, aims to prevent unlawful detentions and provide support services.
Residents in Southern California are encouraged to report any ICE activity immediately. This helps verify actions before they are spread on social media and ensures access to reliable legal services.
“Community is what keeps us safe,” Soto-Martinez said, urging people to use the hotline to verify and report ICE actions. He emphasized the need for active involvement in protecting those at risk.
Pedro Trujillo, organizing director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, anticipates a potential increase in ICE operations in Los Angeles.
LARRN plans to prepare communities through Know Your Rights initiatives and referrals to necessary resources.
The coalition advises residents to verify ICE actions before sharing information online. Misinformation, including AI-generated images or outdated reports, can create unnecessary panic and divert resources away from genuine emergencies.
LARRN includes several member organizations, such as Alliance for a Better Community, Central American Resource Center, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, and SEIU Local 721.
Trujillo explained that LARRN mobilizes during heightened threats of ICE activity and works to educate individuals about their constitutional rights.
These rights apply to all, regardless of immigration status. He emphasized the right to remain silent and Fourth Amendment protections against illegal searches and seizures.
Trujillo also encouraged people to document potential abuse of power by immigration agents, including racial profiling.
He suggested offering mutual aid, such as crowdfunding for legal assistance or providing necessities to affected families.
LARRN continues to advocate for immigrant rights through collaboration with various organizations, aiming to provide vital support in response to increasing deportation activities. Its efforts focus on fostering an informed community that is ready to assist those in need.