Lewis Elkin Elementary School hosted an important community training on March 17, led by City Councilmembers Quetcy Lozada (District 7) and Kendra Brooks (at-large), as part of the Ice Out Philly initiative. The event brought together residents, educators, and community leaders with a clear goal: to strengthen knowledge and collective response to potential actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
After a welcome from schoolteachers, the training covered key topics such as knowing your rights, intervening as a supportive witness, and staying protected in workplaces and educational settings. Community facilitators, including representatives from Lozada’s office, Elkin teachers, and residents, guided the session with practical and accessible information.
Following Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s approach, participation and being informed from the start are essential to achieving real change. One of the central messages was clear: in encounters with ICE, it is crucial to remain calm and exercise your basic rights. Participants learned that while agents may act on reasonable suspicion in public spaces, individuals have the right to remain silent, not show documents, and not sign anything.
Speak up: If you see something, act
During the training, a key tool known as the “5 Ds” was shared, guiding the community on how to respond safely during ICE operations:
- Document about what is happening
- Distribute information to support networks
- Direct affected individuals away from the area
- Delay to buy time
- Disrupt the operation
Know your rights and protect yourself
The training also emphasized the importance of ongoing education and community organizing. Attendees were encouraged to join future training courses and share information within their communities. While no individual cases or specific plans were discussed, the focus was on providing general tools applicable in various situations.
In a context where fear is increasing, Philadelphia’s community continues to strengthen its response capacity through information, solidarity, and collective action. For more information and reporting, call the hotline: (814) 205-3293 (JUNTOS) or register at: training.iceoutphilly.org
Key Points
- Initiative led by Quetcy Lozada and Kendra Brooks
- Training on rights during ICE encounters
- How to act as a supportive witness
- Protection in workplaces and schools
- Key rule: don’t speak, don’t show, don’t sign
- Share information and attend future training
