Now more than ever, people should know their rights, have a lawyer on their phone list
By Marivir R. Montebon
New York - What do you do when a masked ICE agent arrests you? Can you ask the agent to remove his mask, otherwise it could be construed as kidnapping?
These were questions I asked immigration lawyer Marlene Sanchez at the mixer of the Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future community forum at the Philippine Center on the Wednesday evening of June 24, 2026.
Lawyers Marlene Sanchez (middle), Tia Garcia, and Joseph Ciaccio (left) at the Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future forum at the Philippine Center on June 24, 2026. (Photo by Shawn Lam)
I was hoping for lawyers to present a clear drill of questions and answers to immigration-related round ups by ICE agents.
Sanchez, an immigration lawyer based in Newark, said her office has been swamped with immigration cases that had at least procedural lapses, such as detention of US citizens.
It's totally different now, she observed, compared to deportation-related arrests by past administrations. They were more careful in implementing removal procedures, Sanchez said.
Journalists like me share the same observation.
Some participants of the forum at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Photo by Shawn Lam
Now more than ever, people need to have a lawyer handy on their phones, Sanchez advised.
Lawyer Joseph Ciaccio told the audience to consult with attorneys even in cases where statutes of limitations (deadline for filing a case) exist. In the interest of fairness, he said, the legal system would want to strike a balance for fairness and real evidence.
The KYR forum with lawyers Sanchez, Ciaccio, and Tia Garcia of the Napoli Shkolnik was an exhaustive venue for discussion on immigration and medical malpractice, accidents, and negligence concerns.
Forums like these educate and encourage people to put aside their fears and consult with qualified lawyers to address their legal concerns.
Sanchez specializes in immigration, criminal, and traffic matters. She founded and manages her own law office, the Sanchez Law Group LLC which is based in Newark. She practices in New Jersey, New York, and all immigration courts in the US and its territories.
Being the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Sanchez is passionate in navigating the complex immigration system that is nuanced by language barriers and the interplay of criminal and immigration issues.
The Napoli Shkolnik Attorneys at Law specializes in employment discrimination, workplace injuries, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, nursing home matters, and car and truck accidents.
It claims to have recovered over $20B for New Yorkers. Its offices are in Manhattan and Long Island.
The speakers with the main organizers of the Friends of the Philippines Society USA.
The forum, hosted by Kat Suarez, was organized by the Friends of the Philippines Society USA, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, and the Asian American Business Center. Vice Consul Pete dela Fuente welcomed the guests on behalf of Consul General Senen Mangalile who underscored the importance of legal forums to continuously educate the public on immigration rights and pave the way of legal consultations.
Main organizers Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue said that the event was not just a legal forum, but a gathering of friends from all walks of life in a journey toward empowerment and understanding.
Since February this year, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued an executive order restricting ICE from entering city-owned properties such as schools, hospitals, and shelters without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
Cocktails and dinner at the lobby of the Philippine Center on 5th Avenue catered by Binondo and Tradisyon.
L-R: This writer, PNB New York VP Eric Bustamante, Rachel Lopez, Jerry Sibal, and Kat Suarez, host of the forum. (Shawn Lam photo)
(Photo by Shawm Lam)
Friends of the Philippines Society USA VP Jerry Sibal and founding President Edwin Josue. (Photo by Shawn Lam)
"When we know our rights, we gain the confidence and power to protect our future," quipped Josue.
The Friends of the Philippines Society USA is a nonprofit organization that aims to educate and empower the diverse communities of New York through culture and the arts. In November last year, it presented Yaman (treasure) a three-day Philippine trade and cultural exhibition at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. In October 2026, Yaman exhibits will be showcased at Union Square Park. #
