The day after a new Utah immigration law went into effect, community leaders on Thursday told Latinos to obey the law but report any perceived harassment or profiling by police.

SB81, among other provisions, allows police officers to become federal immigration agents, though no departments or sheriff's offices have said they will do so.

"We want to know when enforcement begins, when people are being picked up, harassed," said Tony Yapias, a Latino community activist.

Yapias and other leaders met with about 100 people at a Salt Lake City community center to discuss SB81 -- the Utah immigration law that went into effect Wednesday. Among other provisions, the law allows police officers to become federal immigration agents, though no departments or sheriff's offices have said they will do so.

But Yapias said he is afraid the mere passage of SB81 will empower police officers to ask people about their immigration status or harass immigrants. Yapias told the crowd to obey the laws, including keeping their driver license and vehicle registration up to date.

Immigration attorney Mark Alvarez told the crowd they should show their driver license and vehicle registration if stopped by police officer. But he said they do not have to discuss their immigration status.

"Everyone has the right to remain silent," Alvarez said.

Another speaker, who works for the U.S. Census Bureau, called upon Latinos to be counted in 2010.

"Our democracy is based on how many we are," said Sergio Martinez, a partnership specialist with the Census Bureau.

Martinez, who works with community groups to help encourage participation in the head count that occurs each decade, reminded the attendees the survey is kept private and cannot be used against them if they are in the country illegally.

 

ncarlisle@sltrib.com

 
The American Civil Liberties Union and a coalition of other organizations are asking people to report cases of racial profiling or discrimination against immigrants. Anyone wanting to report or monitor claims can contact Isabel Rojas with Comunidades Unidas at isabel@cuutah.org or by calling 801-487-4143.