A local immigration advocate is working with the community to inform people of their rights during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in the Hudson Valley.

Ignacio Acevedo, who works for the New York Civil Liberties Union, says fears about the recent ICE enforcement in areas with large immigrant populations, such as Spring Valley, Beacon, Middletown and the city of Newburgh, has prompted him to partner with community members to organize meetings about what to do if people encounter federal officials.

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Acevedo, who’s from Newburgh, says he’s holding dozens of neighborhood meetings each month, mostly in people’s houses, with the goal of answering questions and giving advice to empower those who might otherwise be afraid.

“People stay at home. People keep their kids at home. Some parents call me and say they don’t even let their kids play in the backyard. The fear becomes intense, but I tell them, you have rights,” Acevedo says.

The advocate’s work is among a larger effort by the NYCLU to inform the public of their rights when it comes to immigration and ICE.

News 12 reached out to ICE for information about the recent activity in the Hudson Valley but hasn’t received a response.

For more information on the NYCLU’s efforts, click here.