FLOC President Urges Undocumented Families to Prepare for Potential ICE Raids in Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids increase across the United States, the president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), Baldemar Velasquez, is urging local undocumented families to take precautionary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Velasquez, who has long advocated for migrant workers’ rights, says that many families in Ohio are living in fear as ICE operations ramp up in cities such as Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York. “Some families are refusing to send their children to school because they are afraid of being separated,” he shared. “The anxiety is palpable, and we are trying to help prepare these families for what may come.”

With ICE raids expected to spread to other regions, Velasquez emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place for families facing potential deportation. He stressed that every family should designate a trusted person to care for their children and handle property matters in case of detention.

“Make sure you have a power of attorney in place with someone you truly trust,” Velasquez advised. “In my own case, I have power of attorney over a young girl who is a student in the public schools. If her parents are detained, my wife and I will take her in and care for her.”

In response to the growing concerns, Velasquez and FLOC will begin distributing flyers to local families on Wednesday. The flyers provide crucial information on what to do if ICE agents show up at a home, including the right to not open the door and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any warrants.

“If ICE comes to your door, you don’t have to open it. You can ask the agents through the window to identify themselves and show you their warrant,” Velasquez explained. He added that there are two types of orders ICE agents may present: one for a specific individual’s arrest, signed by a judge, and another for deportation.

“If the order is legitimate, you should comply and go quietly, but remember, you have the right to an attorney, especially if you’ve been in the U.S. for more than two years,” Velasquez said.

He also urged families to discuss contingency plans with their employers in the event of workplace raids and to be aware of their rights if detained by border patrol agents.

In Toledo, Velasquez reports that the undocumented population has risen significantly in recent years. Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 undocumented individuals were estimated to live in the area six years ago, but that number is now much higher.

Velasquez’s message to the community is clear: Prepare now, stay informed, and make sure you know your legal rights. He and FLOC are committed to helping families navigate these uncertain times and ensure that they are not caught off guard by immigration enforcement actions.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family during ICE raids, a copy of the flyer can be found at the bottom of this article.