Know Your Rights If You're Picked Up By ICE Info Session Offered In Blue Island

BLUE ISLAND, IL — A “Know Your Rights” program will take Thursday,April 17. Hosted by Moraine Valley Community College. The program runs from 6 to 8 p.m., in Room 105, at the Education Center at Blue Island, 12940 S. Western Ave., and virtually via Webex.

Presenter Marilu Moreno, program manager at Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refuge Rights, will share insights and resources for students and community members to help them understand their rights as people living in the United States. A question-and-answer session will follow the in-person presentation.

ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in civic, cultural, social and political life. Aurora Zwick, manager of the English Language Learner Center at Moraine Valley, said the presentation is being offered at no cost to the college. The English Language Learner Center provides resources for students in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, free for students who desire to learn conversational English, and the Intensive English Language (IEL) Program, which prepares students to matriculate into college-level courses.

The presentation will show participants how to navigate various scenarios, including how to interact with law enforcement officers and ICE.

“I think it would be good for anyone to understand – if you are approached, then here is what you do,” Zwick said. “It’s important for people to know their rights here in the U.S.”

She also mentioned that information sessions like these may help alleviate fears for community members who are traveling, or who may have questions.

“We want people to take advantage of this session. I think it will offer a little more comfort to them,” Zwick said.

Seating at the in-person session is limited; however, the presentation is open to community members via Webex.

For more information, contact Aurora Zwick at zwick@morainevalley.edu.