CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Andrea Layne made the trip from North Liberty to learn more about her rights to legally document immigration enforcement, in reaction to the killings of two observers this month in Minneapolis and an arrest closer to home last fall.
“It raised my level of awareness,” Layne said of the September 2025 arrest of Jorge Elieser González Ochoa, who was wrestled to the ground and taken into custody by plain-clothes ICE agents during his shift at the Bread Garden Market in Iowa City.
Layne and more than 500 other people attended the legal observer training on Jan. 31, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, to learn about safe ways to respond.
A sign on the door to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church notes that ICE agents need a signed judicial warrant to enter. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Hosted by the immigration advocacy group, Escucha Mi Voz Iowa, the training featured speakers concerned about deportation, “Legal Observer 101” and an arrest simulation.
Getsy Hernandez, an organizer with Escucha Mi Voz, the Rev. Jonathan Heifner, lead pastor at St. Paul’s, and other speakers reinforced that observers should keep safety at the forefront as they document ICE activities.
The shooting deaths of observers Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents has sparked outrage and demonstrations in Minneapolis, where they were killed, and nationwide, including in Cedar Rapids.
Related: See photos from a Cedar Rapids ICE protest this month
Audience members listen to the legal observer training on Jan. 31, 2026 in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Everyone has the right to record as long as they maintain a safe distance and don’t interfere with an arrest, they noted, and authorities cannot confiscate an observer’s phone or camera without a judicial warrant.
A training video encouraged observers to include details, such as street signs, vehicle license plates, the people detained, the agencies involved — with badges and warrants — if possible, and their own response to orders; for example, stepping back if asked to comply.
The training video also advised keeping original recordings, and a backup copy, and making it available to the family and their legal representatives.
An Escucha Mi Voz hotline can be reached at: (319) 382-5203.
Getsy Hernandez, organizer with Escucha Mi Voz, speaks during the legal observer training Jan. 31, 2026, in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The group and other advocates regularly accompany people to ICE check-ins, including an upcoming check-in at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Cedar Rapids U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, 3351 Square D Dr. SW.
Two men who will be making a check-in spoke at the training, including one who had already been held in detention for 18 months, and another, a father of four, whose 7-year-old daughter’s health syndrome makes her unable to walk.
“I breaks my heart to think they’ll separate me from my family,” he told the audience, asking for their support at Tuesday’s check-in.
A vigil to honor VA nurse Alex Pretti will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, outside the Iowa City VA, 601 Hwy. 6 West.
More: See photos from a protest at the Cedar Rapids ICE office and more from the training, below:
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