Know your Rights on Immigration

Everyone in the United States has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. This page summarizes neutral, government-sourced information and local contacts. It is provided for general information only and is not legal advice.

Quick links

• OPD Immigration Enforcement
• Your rights under California & federal law (overview)
• Find or contact someone in ICE custody
• Local County & School resources
• Free/low-cost legal help
• Report a concern or file a complaint

What to expect from Oceanside Police Department (OPD)

OPD's role is local public safety. In line with California law (the California Values Act, SB 54), OPD does not use City resources for civil immigration enforcement. OPD does not ask individuals about immigration status for immigration-enforcement purposes and does not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement operations. OPD may assist other agencies to maintain public safety and will comply with state and federal law when required (for example, in response to a judicial warrant).

• Emergencies: Call 9-1-1
• Non-emergency OPD: (760) 435-4900
• OPD phone directory

Your rights under California & federal law (overview)

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) publishes neutral "Know Your Rights" information. Highlights include:

• You have the right to an attorney if you are arrested by police. If detained by federal immigration authorities, you have the right to consult a lawyer (the government is not required to provide one).
• State and local law enforcement in California may not ask about your immigration status for immigration-enforcement purposes and may not share personal information for those purposes except as allowed by law.
• Children have the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status.
• You have rights related to housing, workplace non-discrimination, and emergency medical care.

See the DOJ resource page and flier:

• Resources for California's Immigrant Communities (California DOJ)
• Know Your Immigration Rights & Protections (PDF)

Find or contact someone in ICE custody

• ICE Online Detainee Locator System (requires A-Number or exact biographic info)
• How to locate someone detained by ICE (USA.gov)
• ICE ERO Detention, Removals & Information Line (DRIL): 1-888-351-4024 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET)

County Legal Defense Program (for detained individuals):

• Main number (County of San Diego Immigration Legal Defense Program): 619-446-2883
• For people at Otay Mesa Detention Center: dial 1157# (free from facility phones)

Local County & School resources

• County of San Diego: Know Your Rights - Prepare for Federal Immigration Interactions
• County Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) - general assistance and referrals
• San Diego County Sheriff: Compliance with SB 54 & multilingual flyers
• San Diego County Office of Education: Immigration Resources
• 2-1-1 San Diego - 24/7 navigation to local services

Free/low-cost legal help

• California Dept. of Social Services (CDSS): Immigration Legal Service Providers (state-funded nonprofit providers; includes San Diego County)
• National Immigration Legal Services Directory (nonprofit providers)

Tip: California Community Colleges students, staff, and faculty can access free services via the statewide program. See the CCC Legal Services information.

Report a concern or file a complaint

• Commendations & Complaints (OPD)
• Report a civil rights concern to the California DOJ

Languages

Many linked resources are available in multiple languages. County Sheriff SB 54 flyers are available in English, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Persian, Arabic, and Korean. If you need assistance, call 2-1-1 San Diego.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney. External links are provided for convenience. The City of Oceanside does not control or endorse external websites.