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Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay↑

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The Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of the North Bay (AAPIC) thanks Sheriff Eddie Engram for his leadership and Supervisor Lynda Hopkins for her advocacy in declining to expand collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security. This decision strengthens trust and promotes the safety of all Sonoma County residents, especially our immigrant and refugee communities.

We now urge the Sheriff’s Office to take the next step by formally adopting a policy of non-cooperation with ICE unless presented with a federal judicial warrant. Doing so would strengthen community trust, align with California’s SB54, and ensure that Sonoma County remains a place where all residents—regardless of immigration status—feel safe to live, work, and contribute.

Posted 10/24/25

In response to the threat of federal deployment to the Bay Area, we sent out the following urgent alert email to our members and subscribers on 10/23/25.

URGENT COMMUNITY ALERT

Federal agents deploying to Bay Area
— stay calm, stay safe, know your rights —

Dear AAPIC Members, Friends, and Allies,

According to yesterday’s San Francisco Chronicle (Oct 22 2025), the Trump administration has dispatched more than 100 federal agents — including from U.S. Customs and Border Protection — to the U.S. Coast Guard base in Alameda, beginning as early as Thursday, Oct 23.

Officials and advocates across the Bay Area are expressing deep concern and warning that this move could precede broader immigration enforcement actions or even National Guard deployment in San Francisco.

We know this news is frightening for many — especially undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families.

AAPIC North Bay stands with our community and urges everyone to remain calm, stay peaceful, and be prepared.

Breaking News this morning! We hear that the federal deployment is not going to happen in the Bay Area. However, we still need to be prepared!

What You Can Do Right Now

(1) Stay calm and peaceful

  • Do not engage or confront officers. Document safely if you witness activity.

(2) Avoid non-essential travel

  • Stay out of San Francisco and Oakland until more information is confirmed.

(3) Know your rights — carry your “Red Card”

(4) Memorize this North Bay Rapid Response Network Hotline --- 707-800-4544

  • If you see or experience possible ICE activity, call immediately.
  • Record and document: how many officers, uniforms, vehicles, license plates, actions, location, date, and time.
  • When trained Legal Observers arrive, share what you collected.
  • Do not obstruct their work.
  • ⚠️ Do not post locations on social media.

(5) Check for confirmed local ICE sightings

  • Follow the North Bay Rapid Response Network Facebook page for verified updates. facebook.com/NorthBayRapidResponse
  • Please do not call the hotline to ask about sightings — keep the line free for emergencies only.

(6) Volunteer if you can

  • Rapid Response urgently needs dispatchers and legal observers, especially Asian-language speakers. Volunteer Here

(7) Be prepared in case of detention

  • Memorize one trusted person’s phone number who can contact family and an attorney on your behalf.
  • Prepare your family in advance.
  • Email AAPIC for guidance at immigrants@aapicnorthbay.org.

(8) Know how to help someone detained

(9) Need a legal referral?

  • AAPIC can connect you with trusted pro bono or low-cost attorneys.
  • Email immigrants@aapicnorthbay.org with subject line “Help for Immigrant.”
  • Do not include case details — we’ll follow up privately.

(10) Want to help more?

Our Message

Stay peaceful. Stay informed. Stand together.
Our strength is in calm, coordinated care for one another.

In solidarity,

AAPIC Immigrant Task Force
Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay
 https://aapicnorthbay.org |   immigrants@aapicnorthbay.org

Posted 10/23/25

Red & Yellow Cards Quick Access

Download Red and Yellow Cards in CAMBODIAN (jpg | pdf), CHINESE (jpg | pdf), ENGLISH (jpg | pdf), HMONG (jpg | pdf), KOREAN (jpg | pdf), SPANISH (jpg | pdf), TAGALOG (jpg | pdf), and VIETNAMESE (jpg | pdf).

Posted 10/23/25

What is Family and Court Accompaniment? How can California Congressional Representatives Huffman and Thompson help a detainee?

AAPIC has formed a task force to provide support for immigrants, particularly for members of our AAPI community who need cultural and language support.  Four of our task force members recently attended training workshops for Family and Court Accompaniment. The following is additional information for them when they accompany immigrants to attend  court interviews.

Our two Northern California Congressional Representatives Jared Huffman (District 2) and Mike Thompson (District 4) have very supportive staff who are committed to doing what they can to get the word out about detentions and detained individuals. They can try to get information about the whereabouts of detainees.

There are DHS Privacy Waiver forms that Court Accompaniment volunteers can hold for immigrants they accompany. These need to sign either before the day of a check-in or court hearing or sign on the way down in the car. 

These forms do not go into the federal buildings. The forms remain in the car. If signed by the compa (or a spouse of the compa) then a witness is not needed. Each person checking in or attending a court hearing needs a separate form. Each child needs a separate form and the parent signs for the child. 

If you are interested in supporting our immigrant community and want to know what accompaniment volunteering entails, please contact us for more information.

View & Download a Huffman or Thompson DHS Privacy Waiver Form.

Posted 10/19/25

Naturalization Alert: Memo on Good Moral Character (GMC) and Neighborhood Visits - by ILRC

View & Download

This practice alert covers recent U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy statements announced in August 2025 that could affect naturalization applicants.

On August 15, 2025, USCIS issued a memo which states an intent to change how the agency will assess whether applicants meet the good moral character (“GMC”) requirements for naturalization. On August 22, 2025, USCIS issued a memo  that prescribes neighborhood visits to investigate naturalization applicants for scrutiny of the applicant’s residency, GMC, and attachment to the U.S. Constitution. As with the GMC memo, this memo does not exist in the official repository of USCIS policy, the USCIS Policy Manual. At this time there are no instructions on how these memos will be implemented by USCIS.

Posted 9/17/25

Webinar: Changes to Public BenefitsWebinar Changes to Public Benefits
Understanding Impacts of State and Federal Law Changes to Access to Public Benefits in California for Immigrant Communities

Tue, Aug 26 2025, 10 am - 12 pm (PT)
This webinar has already taken place. CLICK HERE to access the recording and other resoures.

With the passage of the federal reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) and the new California state budget, the eligibility rules for vital programs like Medi-Cal, Covered CA, Medicare, CalFresh, and others will change significantly in the coming years. During this training, we will provide a detailed overview of the expected impacts of these policy changes - particularly for different immigrant communities in CA. We will also discuss how community-based organizations (CBOs), service providers, government agencies, and Community Health Workers, Promotoras, Representatives, and other advocates can prepare and adapt to best support the communities we serve. This training will be delivered in English with live Spanish interpretation. 

Posted 8/20/25. Updated 9/6/25.

Useful Information to Know

  • We Have Rights - learn what to do  when encountered with ICE - View videos
  • Know Your Rights one-sheet info - by ACLU - View and Download
  • First Step After Someone You Care About is Detained by Immigration - CCIJ - View and Download
  • California Rapid Response Networks - CCIJ - View
  • Risk Assessment for Naturalization Applicants - ILRC - View and Download
  • Expedited Removal Toolkit - ILRC - View & Download

Posted 8/17/25

  • 💥 ICE Doesn't Work Alone - Human Rights Council of Oceanside, California - View

Posted 7/31/25

Documents distributed at the Immigrant Rights Seminar on 7/26/2025

Please scroll down this page to see other documents previously uploaded that may be useful to you. This page is updated regularly. If you have any questions, please email us at info@aapicnorthbay.org.

We also have Red Cards in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Cambodian,  and Hmong. Lao and Thai Red Cards will be available soon. Please email us if you need them.

Posted 7/30/35

Best Way to Keep Track of and Fight Against Local ICE Activities

Posted 6/22/25

    Business Best Practices Around ICE Activity

    (Resources for Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: Immigration & Workplace Preparedness for Business Owners - seminar held on 6/16/25 in Petaluma)

    • Presentation - Importance of I9 - by Kirk Lok - View & Download
    • Presentation - Know Your Rights - by Jose Ibarra - View & Download
    • Presentation - Protecting Your Immigrant Workers - by NicoleGorney - View & Download
    • Presentation - North Bay Rapid Response Network - by Linda Evans - View & Download
    • Presentation - Petaluma Police Department Immigration Policies - by Lt. Zilverio Rivera - View & Download
    • Video Recording of the 6/16/25 Seminar - available soon
    • What To Do If Immigration Comes To Your Workplace -  National Employment Law Project - View & Download
    • All Hands On Deck Emergency Response Procedures - by Jose Ibarra - View & Download
    • Best Practices Around ICE Activity - Golden Gate Restaurant Association - View & Download
    • Sonoma County Legal Service Providers for Immigrant - Download
    • How to Identify ICE - Download
    • What are Red Cards - Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) - View
    • What are Yellow Cards - North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRNN) - View
    • Know Your Rights Solidarity Signs -  Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) - View & Download
    • Where to download business workplace poster notices - NBRNN - Worksite | Congregation | Business | Restaurant
    • Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan - Immigrant Legal Resource Center - Download English full version / English abridged version

    • Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S. - Immigrant Rising - Download English

    Posted 6/19/25

    When Traveling Internationally

    Know Your Rights When Traveling Internationally - Stop AAPI Hate -  View & Download

    Posted 6/13/25

    New Trump Registration Rule & Immigration Policies

    Trump Administration New Registration Rule Fact Sheet 2025 April - View & Download

    Posted 5/14/25

    Discussion Registration with Clients - Immigrant Legal Resource Center - View & Download

    Posted 5/17/25

    Trump 2.0 Immigration Policies - Immigration Law & Justice Network - View & Download

    Posted 5/9/25 

    Documents distributed at AAPIC Immigrant Rights & Community Support Seminar held on Sunday, May 11, 2025:

    Posted 5/14/25

    Rapid Response Networks are a powerful tool for standing up to ICE and Border Patrol threats. This 3-minute video breaks down how these community-led initiatives play a crucial role in keeping people safe and ready to respond.  Take action to protect our communities! 

    https://www.facebook.com/reel/1429817661513581

    Asian Law Caucus (ALC) is committed to the pursuit of justice across society, with a specific focus on serving low-income, immigrant, and underserved Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

    Know Your Rights: Guide for Immigrant Communities in 2025, April 8, 2025
    https://www.asianlawcaucus.org/news-resources/guides-reports/know-your-rights-guide-for-immigrant-communities-in-2025

    • Your Rights: Trump's Executive Orders
    • Your Rights with Federal Agencies (DHS, FBI, ICE)
    • Your Rights at Work
    • Your Right to Protest

    Resources for Southeast Asian Refugees Facing Deportation, April 2, 2025
    https://www.asianlawcaucus.org/news-resources/guides-reports/resources-southeast-asian-refugees-facing-deportation

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has carried out devastating raids on Southeast Asian refugee communities. This webpage provides resources and answers to frequently asked questions for people facing deportation to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It does not provide individualized legal advice.

    Posted 5/6/25

    Documents Distributed at AAPIC Immigrant Rights & Community Support Seminar, March 29, 2025

    Our first AAPI Immigrant Rights Seminar was held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 10 am - 12 noon at the Church of Incarnation in Santa

     Rosa.  There were 56 registrants with a final count of 50 attendees. Each attendees received a package of printed materials on immigrant information as well as the Yellow and Red Cards.

    In order for everyone to have immediate access to useful information, we have created this Immigrant Rights Resource Page for easy access and download.

    If you missed the seminar, go to this event page to see the details - https://aapicnorthbay.org/event-6115644

    Documents distributed:

    Additional documents not distributed at the March 29 seminar

    Posted 3/31/25

    North Bay Rapid Response Network (NBRRN)

    Posted 3/31/25 

      What are Red Cards?

      All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) developed Red Cards to give examples of how people can exercise these rights.

      The Red Cards are the size of a business card on heavy red card stock with rounded corners, both sides printed in white text.

      How to Order Red Cards?

      You can order Red Cards at the ILRC website, or download the artwork to print on your own.

      Nonprofits: If you are an immigrant-serving organization or a public defender, the ILRC can arrange to order and ship cards to you for free.  Place order here for a maximum of 250 cards, only one order per week.

      Businesses, Private Attorneys and Orders of 100+ - Use this order form from a union-run printer and pay the printer for your order.

      There are a choice of 39 languages to order.

      The English version Red Cards

      Side 1 (Instructions for person encountered with ICE agent)

      You have constitutional rights:

      • DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
      • DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
      • DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
      • If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
      • GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

      Side 2 (To be shown to the ICE agent)

      I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

      I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

      I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

      I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

      These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

      Non-English version Red Cards

      Side 1 is printed in the non-English language - instructions on what to do and not to do. The Side 2 is in English - to be shown to the ICE agent.

      Example: Chinese (Traditional) Red Card

      The Red Cards are available in 59 languages. AAPIC has a small supply of Red Cards  in English and other Asian languages for distribution to our Asian and Pacific Islander communities at future immigration seminars, or on request. Please email us at info@aapicnorthbay.org to let us know what you need and how you can pick them up.

      1. English
      2. Chinese (Traditional)
      3. Hmong
      4. Korean
      5. Tagalog
      6. Vietnamese

      For ease of distribution, the following language digital artwork templates can be downloaded to print at home.  (Click on the links below.)

      1. English
      2. Chinese (Traditional)
      3. Hmong
      4. Khmer (Cambodian)
      5. Korean
      6. Punjabi
      7. Tagalog
      8. Vietnamese

      Posted 3/31/25

      Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of North Bay is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organization.
      122 Calistoga Road, #357, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.

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