In our recent CLEL Member Meetup in September, we discussed law enforcement and immigration issues. We also apologize for the technical difficulties with the meeting link. If you have any other information to share, please leave a comment to share with others.
For those of us in attendance, most have had minimal, if any, interactions with law enforcement or ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). One librarian briefly discussed their work with the Colorado Rapid Response Network, which is always in need of volunteers. This national network provides a 24/7 hotline for ICE activity and sightings as well as support if you know someone who has been detained or deported. Please visit https://coloradorapidresponsenetwork.com/ for more information.
Much of the rest of the conversation at this meetup centered around how libraries can provide safe havens for their patrons. Whether by action or by information, here are a few items to note:
· Have policies up to date and staff well-versed and knowledgeable. Policies may or may not include specific information about engagement with ICE.
· Provide staff training to know what to do in specific situations.
· Have a person in charge hierarchy so staff know who to go to in case of an emergency.
· Have a good working relationship with local law enforcement. Know who to call and what to expect.
· Provide relevant information and connections to local community organizations that can help.
· Print and have available Red Cards that delineate rights and protections. Available to print here: https://www.ilrc.org/redcards.
For more information please see below for additional resource links. · Family Preparedness Packet from Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition website. · PLA Webinar (For ALA members) Responding to ICE at the Library: Real World Approaches.
We would love for you to join us on Tuesday, November 10 at 1pm MST for our last meetup of the year to discuss our favorite books of 2026
