Immigrants scramble to apply for citizenship as ICE cracks down in Central California

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Advocates say many people recently detained have been too scared or too shocked to exercise their rights. Attorneys say it's important families do not answer any questions agents ask.

The men and women filling out paperwork at this immigration workshop come from different backgrounds. Some are undocumented, others longtime residents, but they're all here for the same purpose.

"They need to feel safe with citizenship because now there's many changes with the new president and they're not safe with just a residency card," said Roberto Lua in Spanish, Applying For Citizenship.

The fear of deportation runs high in Madera where Roberto Lua has lived for 10 years. He has a green card but tells immigration attorney Olga Grosh, he feels it is not enough.

"We've been receiving reports of residents being treated poorly by ICE and ICE not believing that their residency is real, that their card is fake," said Grosh.

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Advocates say for some unexplained reason, ICE has been extremely active in the North Valley. On Monday, attorneys say 15 people were detained in Madera. Grosh wants families to know they have rights if agents come knocking at their door.

"It is very, very important that they do not answer any questions, that they do not sign any document, or offer any information whatsoever," said Grosh.

ICE can only detain someone if their name is on a warrant. Attorneys want families to know that they do not have to open their doors, or even talk to agents if they are not the ones being sought. Lua says this new behavior by ICE agents is another reason he is here applying for citizenship.

"I'm seeking the injustices of the new president and I want to vote to make a change," said Lua in Spanish.

Advocates believe the nature of these raids has also changed. They say agents are targeting random people instead of just those with criminal records.