Overview: Assemblymember Corey Jackson recently discussed the importance of the immigrant community and how they contribute to the economy and society. He emphasized the need for solidarity among communities and the importance of protecting the rights of immigrants. The Know Your Rights training, which Jackson has been promoting, provides resources and tips for immigrants to stay informed and safe during these times. Jackson also emphasized that the future of the Black community in California relies on Black immigrants, and that in the last two years he has seen hundreds of Black immigrants at the border.
Alyssah Hall
“If Fred Hampton was still here today, he would say that the best way, and perhaps one of the only ways, to push back against racism, hate, [and] xenophobia is through solidarity, and that this is the time for all people who have been on the menu…to come together to have each other’s back,” Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson said.
“More than ever, we must come together to protect democratic principles and to uplift each other’s humanity,” Jackson continued.
Jackson has been outspoken about his support for immigrant populations in the community, has emphasized the importance of these communities, and how communities can support each other during divisive times under President Donald Trump.
“In the first 50 days of the Trump Administration, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) has made 32,809 enforcement arrests. To put this figure into perspective, in the entire fiscal year 2024, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made 33,242 of these at-large arrests,” according to a March 13, 2025 press release published by Homeland Security.
Homeland Security claimed that about 75% of these arrests were of convicted or accused criminals.
Jackson said the Know Your Rights training is important because as human beings, everyone is entitled to rights that no government or president has a right to violate. He also shared that the African American community must take a greater participation in immigrant issues because a growing number of immigrants are Black.
In 2022, the Pew Research Center published an article stating approximately one in 10 (4.6 million) Black people in the U.S. were born in another country as of 2019. The Pew Research Center noted that the U.S. Census Bureau predicted that by 2060, the population of Black immigrants will expand to 9.5 million or more than double the current level.
“The last two years that I’ve gone directly to the border, I’ve seen our brothers and sisters from Haiti at the border, I’ve seen our brothers and sisters from the Congo at the border. I’ve seen our brothers and sisters, from all over the world, at the border. We have to make something clear: the future of the Black community in California relies on Black immigrants. Without Black immigrants, our power as Black people will fade away,” Jackson said.
“When people hear about immigrant issues, the worst thing you can do as a Black person is say, ‘oh, that has nothing to do with me.’ Well, number one, you’re a human being, so it does have to do with you. But secondly, Black people from all over the world are trying to get here, and their future is our future,” Jackson continued.
On Feb. 18, 2025, local representatives hosted a virtual Know Your Rights Workshop to discuss key ways for the immigrant community to stay informed and safe during unprecedented times. The training provided resources, updates, and tips on how to navigate possible risks, acquire services, and protect one’s rights.
Those resources were brought to attendees in partnership with Jackson, the Offices of Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, Assemblymember Robert Garcia, Congressman Pete Aguilar, Senator Sabrina Cervantes, Senator Alex Padilla, and Assemblymember James Ramos.
Jackson and his team do not have any other Know Your Rights webinars planned as of now, but Jackson said if needed, he is willing to conduct more in the future as he is passionate about protecting the humanity and dignity of immigrants who are coming here from all over the world.
“California cannot be or remain the fifth largest economy in the world without our immigrant brothers and sisters. Our economy relies on them, and not just because of those who are cleaning the houses and cleaning the hotel rooms and cooking the food, but we also are relying on them to be our doctors, our lawyers and our technology gurus,” Jackson said. “They bring so much to this country, just as our ancestors have put the soul in America.”
Below are the four tips to knowing your rights if ICE comes to your door, according to the San Bernardino Community Service Center, Inc:
- Don’t Open the Door
If an immigration officer knocks on your door, you do not have to open it; unless they have a search warrant.
- Keep Silent
If an Immigration Officer tries to talk to you, you have the right to remain silent.
- Do Not Sign Anything
You have the right to not sign any documents that you do not understand.
- Call Your Consulate, Attorney or Community Based Organization
You have the right to legal representation; you must have a contact ready in case of an emergency.
To learn more about what actions people can take and how to get involved and support immigrant communities, the following organizations provide education and information: TODEC Legal Center, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), San Bernardino Community Service Center, Inc., and the Inland Empire Coalition for Immigrant Justice.