Lawyer presents keys to responding to ICE

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Photo: Immigration lawyer Jose Campos engaged in discussion with Montgomery County residents.

Immigration lawyer Jose Campos engaged in discussion with Montgomery County residents. Photo courtesy of Joe Newman.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, students and families met together in the media center to hear a presentation from immigration lawyer Jose Campos about how to respond to the uptick in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on undocumented immigrants. The presentation was in response to President Trump’s new executive orders aimed at cracking down on migrants by allowing ICE forces to raid the houses of those they believe to be undocumented. 

Campos began the presentation with the story of his own life and journey as an immigrant. Coming from El Salvador in his teenage years, Campos said he struggled with speaking English in high school. In college, he attended the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business and soon decided to pursue law. At that time, Campos said he was still undocumented. 

In 2012, after passing the bar test and receiving a graduate degree in law from the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, Campos said he finally received his documentation.

“I did it without family, money, or papers,” he said. “I was like a monk in a monastery, studying English. And after the bar, my papers came soon after.” 

Over the past four years, Campos has compiled his experiences into a book set to be released by the end of the month. Campos asserted that his book is perfect for the time, stating that the included experiences could be inspiring for many. 

“I want to share my story with others, but also this impacts more than me,” he said. “I want to show people that they don’t have to be so worried about immigration adversities. If I did it, you can too.” 

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Photo: Campos' book is set to publish in late February.

Campos' book is set to publish in late February. Photo courtesy of Joe Newman.

After a lengthy discussion of his life, Campos then presented what he calls the “magic words” all immigrants should use to respond to ICE: “1. I do not want to talk to you. 2. I do not want you to come inside. 3. Leave. 4. I do not want you to search anything without a warrant. 5. I want my lawyer.” 

Campos stated that most people don’t understand the importance of these words. “If you don’t say the words, your rights haven’t been activated,” he said. “[The ICE agents] will break the law and lie to you, so sadly that’s the only thing you can do.” 

Campos also explained that knowing a lawyer or someone who could help would also be beneficial. “Someone who can help you that you have in mind is the first step,” he said. 

An attendee speaking with anonymity said that Campos’ presentation was both useful and inspiring. “It was very helpful because a lot of people at home don’t know what to do,” they said. “Everyone is scared right now with the new president.” 

Campos said the one message he wanted to leave the group with was that no matter who someone is, they have defendable rights. “Everybody in this country has rights, and you have to use your rights and educate yourself on them,” he said. 

Campos ended with a cautiously hopeful remark. “I’m not going to tell you it will get better from here,” he said. “Because it won’t. It will only get darker before it gets brighter again. The only thing you can do is know your rights.”