Protecting Immigrant Workers: Tools & Tips from TRP & CCWR

Written By Ada Humphrey

Be Prepared and Stay Protected — June 25, 2025

On June 25, TRP hosted its bi-weekly Immigrant Justice Livestream, bringing timely information to help workers stay safe amid rising immigration enforcement activities. This session featured Jessica Barajas, Training and Program Specialist at TRP, joined by Rosi Carrasco and Joel Cortés from Chicago Community and Workers’ Rights (CCWR). Watch the livestream below and keep reading for the highlights. 

Why This Conversation Matters 

Across workplaces, many immigrant workers are facing increased fear and uncertainty as reports of workplace raids and immigration enforcement grow. TRP and CCWR want workers to know they are not alone — and that tools exist to help keep everyone safe. 

While our TRP and CCWR hosts are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, we offer crucial general guidance and resources to help protect workers’ rights. 

Workers Have Rights — Always 

All workers have rights, no matter their immigration status. Chicago Community and Workers’ Rights works to equip workers with practical tools to defend themselves and stay protected on the job. 

Recently, despite past federal statements claiming workplace raids wouldn’t happen, many workplaces have seen unexpected enforcement visits. That’s why workers need to know exactly what to do if agents show up. 

The Worker Toolkit

To help, CCWR has created a Toolkit available on their website. This resource helps workers and employers: 

  • Understand what to do if federal, state, or local agents arrive. 

  • Develop a clear workplace protocol that outlines how to respond. 

  • Learn how to create a collective petition — two or more workers can request their employer establish clear protections. 

Note: Unionized workplaces often have protocols, but many non-union workers do not — making this toolkit especially important. 

Key tips include: 

  • Workers can ask their employer for clear policies about what to do if agents come. 

  • Employers should post clear signs marking which areas are private — agents need a judicial warrant to enter private spaces. 

  • Employers can designate a supervisor and attorney to handle any enforcement visit. 

  • Workers should know their rights! You have the right to:  

  • Remain silent 

  • Speak with an attorney 

  • Refuse to sign documents or consent to searches 

Collective Petitions & Protection Against Retaliation 

Collective petitions are protected by labor law — workers have the right to ask for safer conditions, including clear protocols for enforcement actions. If an employer retaliates, there are tools to defend workers’ rights, especially in Illinois.  

If you feel that your rights are being violated at work, you can contact CCWR for help using the information below. 

Get Support & Stay Connected 

CCWR offers in-person workshops every Thursday at 10 AM and 6 PM in Pilsen, as well as virtual workshops on immigration and labor rights topics. Their office is located at 1701 W. 18th Place, Chicago. 

Workers can reach out for help by visiting the Chicago Community and Workers’ Rights website or emailing info@chicagoworkersrights.org. 

TRP also shares ongoing immigration updates and resources on our website. Everyone is encouraged to share this information widely — safety and power come through community awareness and collective action. 

Next Update: Mark your calendars — TRP’s next bi-weekly update will be today at 4pm CST on Facebook and Instagram live. Stay informed, share with your network, and join the conversation. 

Together, we protect each other. Stay organized. Stay informed. Stay safe. 

Ada Humphrey
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