Tulsa Hispanic/Latinx commission forms working group to produce Know Your Rights resources

The Greater Tulsa Area Hispanic Latinx Affairs Commission voted Feb. 13 to create a working group to develop Know Your Rights educational materials and protest-safety resources for Tulsa’s immigrant communities.

Commissioners and city staff said the effort responds to widespread fear and misinformation about immigration enforcement, recent local demonstrations and scams targeting immigrants. The commission plans to make materials available through community partners and to coordinate with the Tulsa Police Department and city communications staff.

“Right now there is a lot of fear in the community,” Commissioner Jackie said during the commission report, explaining the executive committee’s proposal to pursue Know Your Rights sessions and related resources and asking the full commission to authorize a working group. Jackie proposed using existing community partners such as the YWCA and local legal service providers to offer presentations and panels.

Major Mark of the Tulsa Police Department told the commission that Tulsa police are not conducting immigration-status checks during ordinary traffic stops or on municipal offenses. “The Tulsa Police Department is not stopping people to look for immigration status,” Mark…