Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests have reached record levels in the United States, hitting an all-time high of 59,000 in August, according to a CBS News report.
The arrests extend far beyond those without legal status. People with green card and even U.S. citizens are being swept into the chaos of mistaken identity and racial profiling.
This month, we spoke with members of LSSNCA’s legal team - Jairo Valencia and Katarina Uhalova about their work with D.C. communities currently experiencing ICE raids and detentions.
“Families who have lived in Washington, D.C., for decades now fear stepping outside,” said Jairo.
Jairo has noticed a stark change in his neighborhood. Local laundromats—once a central part of community life—now sit empty during the day. He explains that ever since the area was raided, many residents have been too afraid to go out.
“White community members are helping Latino neighbors and people of color do their laundry,” Jairo said. “They’re going at night, in pairs, because people are scared of being detained.”
Even those with the “right papers” are terrified. Children are asking what happens if their parents don’t come home. People are relying on their white neighbors to accompany them to the grocery store or hospital — small acts of solidarity that Jairo said he is witnessing daily.
The fear of deportation is compounded with a loss of faith in the justice system for many community members. Racial profiling and sudden raids have blurred the lines between legality and vulnerability.
“There’s no trust in the system anymore,” he said. “People don’t feel protected.”
Working closely with tenant associations, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) legal team is conducting Know Your Rights (KYR) workshops directly inside apartment buildings—spaces that feel safe to the community.
These workshops share legal information on what to do if there is an ICE raid and help families create emergency plans for what happens if someone is detained.
“What do you do with your kids? Your car? Your bank account?” Jairo asked. “We’re helping families prepare so that no child is left behind and no person disappears without a plan.”
Children are also being placed in situations no child should ever face.
“We’ve had nine-year-olds ask if they should translate for their parents if ICE comes,” said Katarina, managing attorney at LSSNCA. “No child should ever have to take on that responsibility. That’s why having legal representation is critical.”
Legal Support That Meets People Where They Are
LSSNCA’s low bono immigration legal services offer affordable consultations and representation for people navigating their immigration journey. The team works tirelessly in the field — meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally — and offers a wide range of services, from fighting deportation to petitioning for family members and applying for citizenship.
“Some of the people we work with don’t know their immigration identification number or whether they’re facing a possible deportation,” said Katarina. “Others need help understanding the official documents they’ve received from immigration court and what steps they can take to stay in the country legally.”
The team’s approach is grounded in compassion, empathy, and cultural understanding — ensuring every client feels seen and supported through an often-confusing legal process.
For those outside the immigrant community, Jairo shares a message.
“If you see someone in need, open your door. Accompany those who are fearful. Help them go to school, to work, to the doctor.”
LSSNCA continues to support immigrant families across the D.C. metro area, offering legal representation, Know Your Rights workshops and community outreach programs that strengthen communities where all people can thrive.
“We are there for the people — we work for the community,” Jairo said. “They are not alone. If we work together, we will be fine.”
If you or someone you know needs legal services, call 240-956-8157 or submit an intake form online through Contact Us | LSSNCA Immigration Legal Services
