LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – As immigration concerns continue to rise, local businesses are working to make sure their employees know their rights in the workplace. Clark county commissioner Tick Segerblom hosted an immigration town hall Thursday.
Business owners and employees gathered to learn how to handle a possible immigration raid in the workplace. Experts say preparation is key and while there are no confirmed reports of large-scale raids in Nevada, they urge the community to stay informed about their rights.
“Be alert, but don’t be terrified,” said Segerblom.
That was the message at the town hall where local leaders and legal experts worked to replace fear with knowledge.
Across Nevada, immigration concerns have left many workers and business owners unsure of what to do if federal agents come knocking. Officials hoped Thursday’s event would help clear up the confusion and give the community the tools to protect themselves.
“So don’t just say, oh my god, if they show up, I’m going to be on a plane tomorrow to wherever, you have lots of rights and know those rights,” Segerblom shared.
One of the business leaders in attendance was Cristina Blasquez, director of El Mercado, a shopping center that serves as a cultural and economic hub for Las Vegas’ Latino community. She says the concern and uncertainty looming around immigration is not going away any time soon, but events like these keep misinformation from being spread.
“So we need to inform them and keep them calm because our clientele is pretty much, this is the place for them. So, we want them to feel comfortable and to feel safe,” Blasquez said.
Blasquez says the stakes are high and not just for her but for the thousands of people connected to her business.
“This is an ecosystem and it’s integrated by probably 2000 people,” said Blasquez. “They have families, they have friends, they have people that depend on them, so we want to pass along the information for whoever is interested in listening to that and learning about that.”
The ACLU of Nevada provided legal guidance on workplace rights, explaining its important for business owners to have a response plan with employees, train staff to not run away if ICE shows up, and to not give ice agents permission to enter the workplace.
Segerblom says the message is clear – this community stands together.
“Immigration is the backbone of our economy. If immigrants left today this, we’d shut down.” he added.
For the full document by ACLU outlining immigrant’s rights in the workplace, visit the ACLU of Nevada website.
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