Damayan Hosts Second Workshop in a Three-Part Series, Workers Protection Academy: Know Your RIghts with ICE and More

“Yung natutunan ko, you remain silent. And then huwag kang mag-open ng door if somebody knocks on the door. And then magtawag ka sa lawyer kung kailangan.”

“What I learned is that you remain silent and then you don’t open the door if someone knocks on the door. And then you call the lawyer if needed.”

  • Arlene, a member of Damayan, on what they learned during Workers Protection Academy

Woodside, NY - Last week, about 80 Damayan Filipino migrant workers attended Part 2 of Workers Protection Academy, a three-part series designed to protect and empower them from the Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The majority of participants were returnees, building on knowledge gained from the first Workers Protection Academy.

Damayan gave a recap from the last workshop which covered ICE raids and answered questions, such as which IDs to bring and who ICE is generally looking for. Participants were quizzed on the knowledge retained from the first session, learned about what to do when confronted by ICE at home, in the workplace and in public, and roleplayed scenarios with ICE. Damayan concluded the workshop with a briefing on current events, including the situation with NYC’s Mayor Eric Adams, and the impeachment of Vice President Sarah Duterte in the Philippines. 

Damayan will host Part 3 of Workers Protection Academy on Saturday, March 8, 10am-4pm, in Woodside, NY. Participants will learn about their rights when detained by ICE, how to do safety planning, and organize rapid response teams. The last workshop will also be capped by a graduation for the participants followed by a small celebration.

A legal clinic where Filipino migrant workers can consult immigration and labor attorneys for free will also be held on Saturday, March 22, 10am-3pm. 

Damayan events are open to all Filipino migrant workers and supporters. Please check our social media, website and subscribe to our communications to find out about future events. 

Anna Mikhaila Villamor Aller