By Lcda. Jessica L. Pérez-Salazar
Under current immigration policies and increasing pressure on immigration agents, anyone who looks Latino can face the risk of being detained, even if they are a U.S. citizen. Such was the case of a former Puerto Rican military officer, who was wrongly arrested during a raid carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in a commercial establishment in New Jersey last Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Although Puerto Ricans are citizens of the United States by birth, according to the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, and should not be subject to immigration detention, these types of incidents could continue to occur. Therefore, it is essential that we are all prepared in case we face unjust detention.
The case of the former Puerto Rican military officer is a clear reminder that, under current immigration policies, appearance can become a risk factor, even for US citizens.
Today more than ever, knowing our rights is not an option, but a necessity. Having access to key documents and knowing how to react to an arrest can make the difference between a quick release or a prolonged legal fight.