Dear Lincoln Talk:
In mid-May, as ICE activity surged in neighboring towns, several of us here on LincolnTalk shared concerns about reports of lack of due process as masked figures detained and “disappeared” people off the streets of Somerville, Acton, Waltham, and beyond. We held a meeting for interested persons at the library and, when twenty people appeared, we decided to form a group whose purpose would be to mobilize as a rapid response team should ICE ever come to Lincoln. We are committed to nonviolent resistance. You may have seen us dressed as Ladies of Liberty marching in the Fourth of July parade. You may have seen us at our table at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in Lincoln Center. You may have seen this week’s article in the *Lincoln Squirrel* regarding our address to the Select Board meeting ( https://lincolnsquirrel.com/2025/09/lincoln-group-forms-in-response-to-ice-arrests/ ). Earlier today, one of our neighbors on LincolnTalk shared that ICE was reportedly detaining individuals in Waltham near the Lincoln border. We are likely to see much more of this now that ICE has launched operation Patriot 2.0 <https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/09/08/september-ice-surge-massachusetts-boston-arrests>. Here is what you can do if you ever do see an ICE encounter. 1. Call or text 617-370-5023 the multi-lingual Immigrant Justice Network LUCE Defense Hotline <https://www.lucemass.org/>. Their trained volunteers are sent out to verify ICE sightings. 2. Maintain a reasonable distance from any encounter. Anyone alleged to have obstructed, impeded, or assaulted an ICE agent may be criminally prosecuted. 3. You have the Constitutional right to observe ICE agents and to take notes and/or video record an encounter. Again, from a reasonable distance. 4. If you’re questioned by ICE agents, you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about your own immigration status or the status of another person. 5. You have the right to refuse ICE agents entry to your home without a judicial warrant. This is an arrest warrant signed by a judge. Come see us at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday! Take some know-your-rights cards for anyone in your life who is vulnerable (available in Spanish/English and Portuguese/English), sign a petition for important pending legislation, and talk with us. We’re the ones wearing the Liberty crowns! And for more information, please visit our website, lincolnwitness.org. All the best, Kim Jalet (Brooks Road) and Kathy Madison (Concord Road)
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