GALLOWAY, N.J. — Amid recent changes to immigration detention procedures under the current U.S. administration, concerns surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sparked fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities nationwide.

In response, the Guatemalan Student Association (GUASA), in collaboration with El Pueblo Unido, a local immigration activist organization based in Atlantic City, hosted a “Know Your Rights” training session on February 4 to educate the Stockton University community on best practices when encountering immigration enforcement.

“We wanted people to walk away not just with information, but with confidence and the feeling that they’re not alone,” said Megan Marroquin, a senior Literature major and president of GUASA. “The energy in the room really showed how powerful it is when students come together to learn and support each other.”

The session was led by Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez ’17, executive director of El Pueblo Unido and a Stockton alumnus, with support from the organization’s interns and GUASA’s executive board. During the presentation, organizers explained the roles of various immigration agencies that conduct interrogations and detentions, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and ICE, using visual examples to help students distinguish between them.

The presentation then transitioned into a discussion on interrogations and racial profiling. Moreno-Rodriguez detailed how immigration agencies often target community members and use questioning tactics to gather information that can establish probable cause for arrest without first obtaining a warrant.

Moreno-Rodriguez emphasized that individuals are not required to answer personal questions and have the legal right to remain silent.

Attendees were also provided with informational packets containing examples of arrest warrants and court orders, along with guidance on how to safely respond when witnessing interactions between immigration agents and community members.

“Our training with GUASA was just the beginning,” said Alexander Mendoza, a senior Political Science major and community organizer for El Pueblo Unido. “We want to continue supporting youth as they organize and create meaningful change.”

Edwin Ulises Feria-Serna, a senior Biology major and vice president of GUASA, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the sense of solidarity fostered by the event. “Our event brought the Stockton community together in an incredible show of support,” Feria-Serna said. “I felt honored to host it alongside El Pueblo Unido, and we’ll continue working together to help anyone in need. I may be one voice, but together we are unified.”

To stay informed about future trainings and community resources, follow El Pueblo Unido on Instagram and Facebook at @elpueblounidoac and GUASA at @stocktonguasa. Community members interested in immigrant rights advocacy and educational programming are encouraged to engage, attend upcoming events, and share resources with those in need.