Keeping our Community Safe

Resources for Workers Targeted by ICE

 

 

 

The Motion Picture Costumers, IATSE Local 705, affirms that all workers, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to a safe workplace environment. We stand in solidarity with workers who may be targeted by federal agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. We are committed to supporting our members where this presence may create an unsafe workplace environment. We have created this space where resources are available for all concerned members. This is our community, and we must support each other. Please utilize these resources to protect each other in situations related to potential ICE actions.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to the 705 Business Office.

Your Rights & Job Protection

If you do not feel safe traveling to a specific location (e.g., the Garment District), you may request not to be assigned there. If you encounter an unsafe situation during work hours, you may remove yourself and notify your Supervisor.

If detained, Local 705 will make every effort within its authority to protect your employment, provided the production remains active upon your return. If a temporary replacement is required, it must be clearly communicated as temporary.
Always communicate concerns clearly, promptly, and in writing.

Safeguards & Support Resources

The resources below are intended to help union members know their rights and ensure they are prepared in the event of workplace or community raids.

Support & Financial Resources

MPI Member Assistance Program (Optum)
Provides referrals to legal representation, including immigration attorneys, through LiveAndWorkWell.com.  An active account is required. Members and their households also have access to free counseling and discounted services.

Motion Picture & Television Fund
Offers grants of up to $1,000 to support detained members or their families. A union member typically initiates the request, but a family member may begin the process. Ensure your family has a union point of contact. MPTF.com

Entertainment Community FundProvides counseling, financial assistance, and additional support services. Registration is required to access benefits.  https://entertainmentcommunity.org/

Additional Support for 705 Members
For additional support while navigating this situation, 705 members may reach out to the Business Office at repdesk@mpc705.org.

Contingency Plan

Be Prepared
Carry an official ID (passport or passport card) at all times. Store important documents—ID, immigration records, and emergency contacts—in a safe place, and ensure a trusted person can access copies if needed.

Be Organized
Create a family emergency plan so everyone knows what to do. Share key phone numbers and identify who to contact if you go missing. Keep important contacts written down separately from your phone or wallet.

Stay Connected

  • 705 Office 818-487-5655 Ext 0
  • MPI Wellness (Optum): 888-661-9141
  • Motion Picture & Television Fund: 323-634-3888
  • Entertainment Community Fund: 323-330-2455

Workplace Practice
Maintain an “In Case of Emergency” contact list for your Supervisor and Costume Team.

More Info
Informed Immigrant:
informedimmigrant.com/resources/detention-deportation/steps-take-prepare-family/

If a Loved One Is Detained

Stay calm and gather key information (A-number, case number, identification documents). It may take several hours for someone to appear in the system.

Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System to search by A-number or biographical information. https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search  Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Once the case is assigned to a court, track it through the EOIR Automated Case Information system.  https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/  

If the resources above aren’t enough to locate someone, contact the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) for additional support:
chirla.org  | 213-201-3797

Legal & Community Resources

Immigration Legal Support

Los Angeles Service Providers

Know Your Rights & Preparedness

Red Cards
Carry a “Red Card” to assert your constitutional right to remain silent if approached by immigration officers. These can be handed to an officer or slid under a door if questioned. https://www.ilrc.org/redcards

Allies: How to Help

Advocate for policy by contacting federal, state, and local representatives. https://advocacy.ucla.edu/find-your-legislator/

Support impacted individuals by accompanying them to hearings or check-ins, helping them access legal services, or assisting with daily needs such as meals.

Consider volunteering or donating to organizations serving immigrant communities.

Educate yourself and stay aware. Systemic harm often continues through normalized everyday behaviors. Take time to reflect on your own biases and seek out diverse lived experiences to better understand how to show up as an ally.