ONLINE / SOCIAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Hector Fong | [email protected]  

Bethany Khan | [email protected]

Viridiana Vidal | [email protected] 

*Confirmed ICE activity in Las Vegas*

As ICE expands targeted enforcement activity in Las Vegas this week, the Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) urges community to be aware of ICE officers in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles and to know your rights

Las Vegas, NV –  The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) is urging the members of the immigrant community to know their rights, have family preparedness plans in place, and be aware of ICE officers in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles. During this week, Las Vegas has experienced a surge in immigration enforcement activities, with reports of U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating sometimes in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles. Notably, ICE detained an immigrant who is a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) and has legal work authorization, raising further concerns among community members.

NIC held a virtual media availability on Monday, April 14, 2025 to share “Know Your Rights” information and to hold Governor Joe Lombardo and Sheriff Kevin McMahill accountable for the separation of immigrant workers from their families in our community. The NIC will post all breaking news and confirmations of ICE activity in Nevada on social media here and here.

On Tax Day, NIC recognizes that immigrant workers pay taxes, contribute to our economy, and are essential members of Nevada’s workforce. According to FWD.us analysis, immigrants make up nearly a quarter of Nevada’s labor force (24%) and contribute an estimated $20.2 billion to the Nevada economy annually. Immigrant workers pay taxes, fund public services, strengthen our economy, and support our communities every single day.

“This week, we hope that groups like the Latin Chamber of Commerce will stand up and speak out as there is an attack on our Latino and immigrant communities, as well as small businesses that keep our communities thriving and prospering. Elected officials also have a responsibility to represent and protect all Nevadans, not just citizens,” said Laura Martin, Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN). “Politicians should be able to answer for the family separation occurring in our communities – which includes Governor Joe Lombardo, who bragged as Sheriff about the deportations he oversaw, and our current Sheriff Kevin McMahill, who currently works with ICE to deport immigrants who are detained at the Clark County Detention Center. While we may have dark days ahead, we will always work to protect our freedoms, our families, and our communities. We deserve a brighter future and will continue to fight for it. Our communities are resilient. We have stood up to oppression before and we’ve made it through to the other side.”

“Immigrant families in Nevada are scared because a lot of what we’re seeing, we shouldn’t be. While we haven’t had reports of mass workplace raids yet, which has been the biggest fear since the beginning of this Administration, everyone is extra sensitive to what’s going on,” said Martha Menendez, Nevada immigration attorney and member of the Nevada Immigrant Coalition. “The Nevada Immigrant Coalition wants to make sure that everybody knows how to take care of themselves and their families. It’s important for those who might be at risk of being separated from their families to prepare a family plan. Families should have all the necessary documents in one place: Immigration documents, financial documents, and custody arrangements. We urge Nevadans to be prepared and to protect themselves. Immigrant families should know if ICE shows up in your house, you have the right to not let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.”

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition urges the community to familiarize themselves with their rights. All Nevadans, regardless of immigration status, have rights.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:

If ICE stops you . . .

*You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions regarding your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States.

*Do not physically resist a government official, and do not run away.

*If you have any valid immigration documents, show them to the ICE officers.

If ICE comes to your home . . .

*You have the right to not open the door.

*You may remain silent and not answer any questions.

*You have the right to refuse any official wishing to enter without a warrant. A warrant must be shown to you and must have your correct name and address on it.

If ICE takes you into custody . . .

*Ask to speak with an attorney.

*Do not sign any document that you do not understand. Even if the ICE officers are persistent and want to pressure you, do not sign.

*Request to see the immigration judge. In most cases, you may be able to ask for bail in order to be released from custody.

*You have the right to request to contact your country’s consulate for help.

*If you have minor children, let the officers know that you are the parent or primary caregiver. 

*ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition urges Nevadans to know which documents to carry in order to protect themselves during targeted ICE activity.

TO FIND LOVED ONES WHO MAY HAVE BEEN DETAINED: Search the ICE Detainee Locator.

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ABOUT THE NEVADA IMMIGRANT COALITION: 

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC), founded in 2006, ensures immigrant, refugee, and new American voices are heard at a local, state, and federal level to advocate for humane and fair immigration policies. The coalition focuses on strengthening a network that provides services, resources, and deportation defense to immigrants and refugees across the state while strategically organizing around issues that are important to all Nevadans. We believe in working towards a Nevada that welcomes, respects, and protects everyone regardless of their immigration status.