Key Takeaways
• Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes launched an immigrant resource website in June 2025 for San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
• The website offers free legal help, Know Your Rights workshops, emergency hotlines, and community support networks.
• Federal immigration enforcement increased in June 2025, prompting resources to protect immigrant families’ constitutional rights.
San Bernardino Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes has taken a strong step to support immigrant families in the Inland Empire by launching a new immigrant resource website. This website is designed to help people living in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, especially during a time when federal immigration enforcement has increased and many families feel uncertain about their rights and safety. The following reference guide explains the purpose of this initiative, details the resources available, and provides practical guidance for using the website and related services.
Purpose and Background
The main goal of the immigrant resource website is to give immigrant families free, confidential, and reliable help. Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes created this website in response to the rise in federal immigration enforcement in Southern California, which began in early June 2025. Many families have felt scared and confused because of these actions, especially after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) started targeting law-abiding immigrants and federal troops were sent into Los Angeles County neighborhoods without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Senator Reyes has made it clear that everyone, no matter their immigration status, has rights under the United States 🇺🇸 Constitution. She wants to make sure that people know these rights and can get the help they need to stay safe and informed.
Organization of Resources
The immigrant resource website is organized to make it easy for families to find the help they need. The main categories include:
1. Legal Support and Advice
- Free and confidential legal help is available for immigrants facing deportation, needing help with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status), asylum, permanent residency, and citizenship.
- The website connects users to trusted legal service providers, including the San Bernardino Community Service Center (SBCSC), which serves over 3,000 people each year. SBCSC offers services on a sliding fee scale or for free, making legal help accessible to everyone.
- For those needing immediate help, the website lists emergency hotlines and provides information on how to contact Senator Reyes’ district office at (909) 888-5360 for personalized support.
2. “Know Your Rights” Workshops and Materials
- The website features a section dedicated to “Know Your Rights” workshops. These workshops teach immigrants about their constitutional protections, such as the right to remain silent and the right to refuse consent to searches.
- Materials are available in multiple languages and include step-by-step guides on what to do if approached by ICE or other law enforcement.
- The website also shares information about upcoming webinars and community events, such as the February 2025 “Know Your Rights” webinar hosted by local and state officials.
3. Emergency Hotlines and Rapid Response
- Families can find emergency hotlines for immediate assistance if they or someone they know is detained or facing an urgent immigration issue.
- The website provides instructions on how to safely report ICE activity and get quick help from legal experts and community organizations.
4. Community and Statewide Support Networks
- The website compiles resources from a broad coalition of local, regional, and statewide organizations. These groups offer legal aid, mental health support, and help with basic needs like food and housing.
- Links to other “Know Your Rights” hubs, such as those run by California Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco and SEIU 2015, are included for easy access to more information and support.
5. Workplace and School Protections
- Information is provided about workplace rights, including what to do if ICE visits a job site and how to protect yourself and your coworkers.
- Guidance for students and parents explains how to keep children safe at school and what rights students have, regardless of immigration status.
Timeline of Key Events and Outreach
To understand the importance of this initiative, it helps to look at the timeline of recent events:
- Early June 2025: ICE increases deportation efforts in Southern California, targeting law-abiding immigrants and causing fear in many communities.
- June 2025: The federal government sends National Guard and Marine troops into Los Angeles County neighborhoods to control protests against these enforcement actions, without consulting Governor Newsom.
- February 2025: Local and state officials host a “Know Your Rights” webinar for the immigrant community in San Bernardino County, providing updated information and resources.
- June 2025: San Bernardino Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes launches the immigrant resource website to address growing community concerns and provide direct support.
Detailed Descriptions of Key Resources
Legal Support Services
The website’s legal support section is one of its most important features. Immigrants can find:
- Deportation Defense: Help for those facing removal from the United States 🇺🇸, including legal representation and advice on next steps.
- DACA and TPS Assistance: Guidance on applying for or renewing DACA and TPS, which protect certain immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally.
- Asylum and Permanent Residency: Information on how to apply for asylum if fleeing danger in another country, and steps to become a permanent resident (green card holder).
- Citizenship Help: Support for those eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, including help with the application process and interview preparation.
The San Bernardino Community Service Center (SBCSC) is a key partner, offering these services to residents of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale or for free, depending on the client’s ability to pay.
For more information about immigration forms, such as the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589), users can visit the official USCIS Forms page.
“Know Your Rights” Education
Knowing your rights is critical during times of increased immigration enforcement. The website’s “Know Your Rights” section includes:
- Workshops and Webinars: Regularly scheduled events where legal experts explain what to do during encounters with ICE or police.
- Printable Guides: Easy-to-carry cards and flyers that outline basic rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer.
- Video Resources: Short videos in different languages that show real-life scenarios and explain how to respond safely.
These resources are designed to help immigrants feel more confident and prepared, reducing fear and confusion during stressful situations.
Emergency Hotlines and Rapid Response
If someone is detained or facing an urgent immigration problem, quick access to help is essential. The website lists:
- 24/7 Emergency Hotlines: Numbers to call for immediate legal help or to report ICE activity in the community.
- District Office Support: Senator Reyes’ district office at (909) 888-5360 can connect callers to trusted legal and community resources.
Community and Statewide Support
The website brings together resources from many organizations, including:
- Local Nonprofits: Groups like SBCSC provide legal help, mental health services, and support for basic needs.
- Statewide Hubs: Links to other “Know Your Rights” websites and hotlines, such as those run by SEIU 2015, which focus on workplace protections and legal aid.
- Labor Unions: Organizations like SEIU 2015 share information about immigrant rights at work and help workers understand their protections.
Workplace and School Protections
Immigrants often worry about what might happen at work or school. The website offers:
- Workplace Rights: Information about what to do if ICE visits your workplace, including your right to remain silent and your right to refuse consent to a search without a warrant.
- School Safety: Guidance for parents and students on how to stay safe at school and what rights students have, regardless of their immigration status.
Usage Guidance
To get the most out of the immigrant resource website, users should:
- Identify Your Needs: Start by thinking about what kind of help you need—legal support, emergency help, or information about your rights.
- Explore the Website: Use the easy-to-navigate categories to find resources that match your situation.
- Attend Workshops: Sign up for “Know Your Rights” workshops or webinars to learn more about your rights and how to protect yourself and your family.
- Save Emergency Numbers: Write down or save the emergency hotlines and Senator Reyes’ district office number for quick access.
- Share Resources: Tell friends, family, and neighbors about the website and encourage them to use it if they need help.
- Stay Updated: Check the website regularly for new resources, event updates, and changes in immigration policies.
Cross-References and Additional Resources
The immigrant resource website is part of a larger network of support for immigrant families in California. Users can also find help through:
- San Bernardino Community Service Center: Offers legal services for deportation defense, DACA, TPS, asylum, permanent residency, and citizenship.
- California Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco’s Website: Provides additional “Know Your Rights” resources and legal aid information.
- SEIU 2015’s Online Hub: Focuses on workplace protections and legal resources for immigrant workers.
For more information about federal immigration policies and official forms, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website.
Practical Implications for Immigrant Families
The launch of this immigrant resource website has several important effects for families in the Inland Empire:
- Reduced Fear and Confusion: By providing clear, reliable information, the website helps families feel safer and more confident in their daily lives.
- Access to Legal Help: Families can get the legal support they need to fight deportation, apply for benefits, or become citizens.
- Education and Empowerment: “Know Your Rights” workshops and materials teach immigrants how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
- Community Support: The website connects users to a network of organizations ready to help with legal, emotional, and practical needs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this coordinated effort is one of the most current and effective responses to the challenges faced by immigrant families in San Bernardino and the broader Inland Empire region.
Expert and Official Perspectives
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes has spoken out against the recent federal enforcement tactics, calling them “terrifying” and “unprecedented.” She urges community members to stay calm, know their rights, and use the resources available to them. Governor Newsom’s administration has also criticized the deployment of federal troops in California neighborhoods without state approval, saying it increases fear and tension in the community.
Legal experts and immigrant rights advocates agree that the immigrant resource website is a vital tool for helping vulnerable families. By giving people the information and support they need, the website empowers them to stand up for their rights and stay safe during difficult times.
Future Outlook
The immigrant resource website and related programs are expected to grow as community needs change. New resources, workshops, and support services will be added based on feedback from users and changes in federal immigration policy. Ongoing cooperation between government officials, nonprofits, and community groups will ensure that immigrant families continue to have access to the help they need.
Conclusion and Next Steps
San Bernardino Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes’ immigrant resource website is a lifeline for families facing uncertainty and fear due to increased immigration enforcement. By offering free, confidential legal support, “Know Your Rights” education, emergency hotlines, and connections to a broad support network, the website helps families stay safe, informed, and empowered.
Action Steps for Readers:
– Visit the immigrant resource website to explore available resources.
– Attend a “Know Your Rights” workshop or webinar.
– Save emergency hotlines and the district office number: (909) 888-5360.
– Share this information with others in your community.
– Stay informed about changes in immigration policy and available support.
For more official information on immigration forms and processes, visit the USCIS official website.
This comprehensive effort, led by San Bernardino Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, shows the power of community and government working together to protect and support immigrant families during challenging times.
Learn Today
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, protects eligible youth from deportation and allows work authorization.
TPS → Temporary Protected Status granted to eligible immigrants from designated countries during humanitarian crises.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws including deportations.
Asylum → Protection granted to people fleeing persecution in their home countries within U.S. borders.
Know Your Rights → Educational programs teaching immigrants their constitutional protections during interactions with law enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
In response to increased ICE enforcement in Southern California, Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes created a website providing immigrants free legal aid, rights education, emergency contacts, and community support to ensure safety and empowerment for immigrant families in the Inland Empire region.
— By VisaVerge.com
