An incredible thing happened the day after recording this episode and I feel compelled to share. In this episode Ian and I get into the difference between illegal and undocumented, a distinction that I don’t think most people understand. I know I didn’t, its confusing and the language has been weaponized by the media, and innocently by allies.
The very next day I had a conversation with my dad and we were talking about this and I was able to have an extremely productive conversation with him about immigration. It was not from a place of judgement or anger, which I am not very good at hiding. My communication skills are really put into the spotlight with those conversations, and truth be told most of the time I fail, big time. Because of this podcast episode, we were able to find common ground and I am so grateful for that.
I started this podcast for this exact reason, not to talk to my dad, but to talk to anyone. I have this maybe naive idea that we all actually want the same thing. Some of us are more racist and horrible than others, but when it comes to my dad and I, I know who he is because Im exactly like him. We feel the same on a lot of issues but we can also be very divided because we aren’t able to actually get to the root of things. I know I am not the only one feeling this right now.
If this podcast can impact one positive conversation to find a path forward, together, thats a win. So, having said all that, I hope you take a listen and leave a review.
On this first episode I sat down with Ian Taronji—a dedicated asylum lawyer, lifelong advocate, and talented musician based in Washington, DC.
Drawing from his own family’s experience as the son of a Cuban refugee, Ian shares insights into the realities of immigration law and what it’s really like standing up for his clients as they face ever-shifting policies and pressures from agencies like ICE. The conversation dives deep into my recent and all-too-relatable run-in with ICE agents in Miami, sparking a frank discussion on civil rights, the lawlessness of current immigration enforcement, and what people—citizens, immigrants, and allies alike—can do if they find themselves or their loved ones in intimidating situations.
From practical advice on what to do if ICE comes knocking, to distinguishing the often-misused terms “illegal” and “undocumented,” Ian provides listeners with clear, actionable guidance and a heartfelt call to remain vigilant, organized, and compassionate. Plus, the episode explores the importance of documenting abuses, advocating for policy change, and supporting each other in the face of uncertainty.
Please join us for a conversation that's equal parts eye-opening, empowering, and grounded in real-world experience—setting the tone for a podcast dedicated to helping us all figure out, together, what we do next.
03:00 "Miami Airport ICE Encounter Story"
04:52 Detained Before Flight Departure
08:42 ICE and Civil Rights Concerns
10:45 Lack of Accountability at DHS
14:41 Plan for Limited Interactions with ICE
16:50 Preparing for ICE: Key Steps
21:10 Street Safety and Bystander Advice
23:54 Tactical Surveillance Essentials
27:59 "Filming Police: A Legal Overview"
29:36 "Pre-Smartphone Witness Recording Service"
32:54 Undocumented vs. Illegal Terminology
37:59 Illegal vs. Undocumented Immigrants
39:48 Advocacy for Undocumented Immigrants
45:10 "Memorize Key Contacts for Safety"
Key Takeaways:
Have a Plan—Always: Whether you’re undocumented, a green card holder, or a concerned family member, create and write down a step-by-step plan in case of detention. Memorize important phone numbers and make sure everyone involved knows what to do.
Know Your Rights at Home and on the Street: If ICE comes to your door, do NOT let them in unless they have a proper judicial warrant. Out in public, never resist—stay calm, keep your hands where agents can see them, and communicate your status if necessary.
Document and Communicate: Witnessing an ICE action? Use the SALUTE method (Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment) to record and report what’s happening—without intervening or putting yourself at risk. Accountability starts with citizen vigilance.
Please consider joining our Substack to help us get this message to as many people as possible. https://whatdowedonext.us/
Produced by Heartcast Media
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