CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Immigration agents showing up unannounced is the fear driving hundreds of Eastern Iowa residents to learn how to be legal observers.
Escucha Mi Voz, an immigrant rights nonprofit, organized a training session to teach people their rights when recording ICE officers. The training used realistic simulations to prepare attendees for potential encounters.
During the first simulation, most people froze when actors portraying immigration agents entered the room demanding to see arrest warrants. Only one person responded appropriately.
“It was a shock,” said Theresa Keller, a training participant. “And I was thinking to myself ‘oh my god, they came in here I can’t believe they came in here.’”
The simulation was designed to prevent people like Keller from being caught off guard during real encounters.
“After 50 years as a nurse, you’re like ‘yeah, I know how to respond,’” Keller said.
The training emphasized recording entire interactions without interfering with officers. Organizers stressed this approach even when people believe ICE officers are not following proper procedures.
“If they’re abandoning them or they’re disregarding them, then it’s even more crucial that we’re aware of what our role in a public space is,” said Rev. Jonathan Heifner.
After the first simulation left participants feeling deflated, scared and embarrassed, organizers ran it again. The second time, more people recorded the interaction, requested warrants and quickly communicated plans.
“It’s a healthy fear that’s gonna keep you safe to a great extent, and it’s a healthy fear that says you need to go,” she said. “I’m not gonna live with myself not doing it.”
Organizers said there is a fine line between being an active legal observer and avoiding interference with officers. They emphasized the importance of communicating with others nearby and using personal judgment to stay safe.
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