San Jose school hosts legal advice panel for immigrant families

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A South Bay school district gathered experts Wednesday to provide free legal advice to immigrant families amid fears of a crackdown by the Trump Administration.

RELATED: Santa Clara Co. Supes unanimously vote to file lawsuit against Trump

"I've been here for 14 years," said San Jose resident Juan. "I'm a hardworking person. I pay my taxes."

Juan has three kids in the Franklin-McKinley School District in San Jose. He's scared President Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration could tear apart his family. "Won't be able to see my kids grow up in the greatest nation, you know."

He was among dozens of parents who took advantage of a panel discussion put on by the district.

"Making sure that they feel comfortable sending their kids to our schools," said Franklin-McKinley School District Superintendent Juan Cruz. "That we are going to provide a safe environment for them."

Attorneys and other experts answered questions and gave free legal advice.

"The main thing is for them to know their rights and to know regardless of their legal status that they have constitutional rights," said Nancy Orocio, a legal representative for Catholic Charities.

Santa Clara County supervisors have voted to sue the Trump Administration over the president's executive order that punishes sanctuary cities.

Supervisor Dave Cortese says they're not giving up funds or principles without a fight. "No matter who you voted for in the presidential election, losing a billion dollars of local money is not a good thing for our tax payers here," he said.

RELATED: SF becomes first city to file lawsuit against Trump's sanctuary cities order

They hope to have the lawsuit filed by the end of next week.