Medford City Councilor Matt LemingPhoto: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
MEDFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the Trump Administration ramps up deportation efforts, the Medford City Democratic Committee is making sure local immigrants know their rights.
The committee has purchased 4,000 red cards spelling out constitutional rights that can be handed to officers if the card holder is approached in public. Medford City Councilor Matt Leming spearheaded the initiative.
“I like to be able to do something specific and actionable and the red cards were something that I personally saw as being worth my time because it directly helps the people who are most vulnerable”
Medford was put in the spotlight last month when video captured Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as she was walking down the street.
Read More: Tufts Graduate Student Detained By ICE, University Searching For Answers
The Department of Homeland Security said federal investigations found that Ozturk had “engaged in activities in support of Hamas.” Ozturk's lawyers say her detention violates her constitutional rights.
Leming said the situation is getting dire, referencing the recent reports of U.S. citizens being deported.
“I think the lack of due process that we’ve been seeing should concern literally everybody,” Leming said.
Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
The cards write out the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. They come in English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese and Haitian.
Along with being handed to officers, Leming said the card holders can slip the card under the door if they’re approached by officers at home.
Leming hopes to get nonprofits involved in distributing the cards to at-risk communities.
“Right now it's just about getting these in the hands of folks who might benefit from them,” Leming said.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.