On this episode of MHD Off the Record’s LA Resources, we speak with Ritu Mahajan Estes of Public Counsel about your rights regardless of immigration status, what to do during an ICE encounter, and how communities can safely support one another during times of increased enforcement.

Rithu Mahajan Estes is the Directing Attorney of the Community Development Project at Public Counsel. She leads the team providing pro bono legal and policy support to nonprofits, small businesses, street vendors, and community coalitions across Los Angeles County. Under her leadership, the project achieved a major victory in securing a groundbreaking settlement with the City of Los Angeles to eliminate discriminatory “no vending” zones and reimburse affected vendors. A former Supervising Senior Staff Attorney, Ritu brings deep experience in transactional legal services, impact litigation, and community organizing.

Resources:

1. ICE FAQ for Small Businesses and Nonprofits: https://publiccounsel.org/publications/faqs-on-nonprofit-and-small-business-rights-with-respect-to-immigration-enforcement-ice/
2. Public Counsel Immigrants' Rights KYR Information: https://bit.ly/KYR-immigration
3. Public Counsel Family Preparedness Guides: https://publiccounsel.org/publications/a-guide-to-planning-for-your-childs-care-family-preparedness/
4. LA Street Vendor Campaign Go Fund for Street Vendors Impacted by ICE Raids: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-street-vendors-impacted-by-ice-raids
5. CLUE Justice Detained Immigrant Bond Fund: https://www.cluejustice.org/support-the-detained-immigrant-bond-fund/

Community Announcements

CHIRLA Immigrant Assistance Line

Call: (888) 624-4752

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Languages: English and Spanish

Services include:

• Know-your-rights information

• Reporting ICE activity

• Case updates and immigration questions

• Referrals to trusted legal services

Visit: www.chirla.org/resources/immigrant-assistance-line-2