The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is a federal law enforcement agency that enforces immigration laws in the country by removing undocumented immigrants and preventing the illegal movement of people or contraband in and out of the country.
We know that the Trump administration is targeting those with criminal backgrounds for deportation. It does not matter how long ago that criminal activity was.
The anxiety surrounding the news of increased immigration enforcement raids has communities of immigrants on edge. We believe that knowledge is power, so we have tried to go to the most reliable sources to bring just that.
Although this information is meant to be helpful in protecting yourself, your family and your friends, please remember this is not legal advice. Everyone must evaluate their own options. But this is a good start in being informed and prepared.
First, be aware that President Trump has revoked a 2011 directive banning ICE arrests in “sensitive areas.” He has expanded ICE’s authority to target courthouses, schools, and churches.
The best defense is knowing your rights and having a plan.
WHAT TO DO IF IMMIGRATION AGENTS COME TO YOUR DOOR
This information comes from the ACLU – American Civil Liberties Union – website:
How to reduce risk to yourself
- Stay calm and keep the door closed.
- Opening the door does not give them permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to ICE through the door.
Your rights
- You have the right to remain silent, even if officer has a warrant.
- You do not have to let police or immigration agents into your home unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
- If police have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
What to do when the police or ICE arrive
- Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
- Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
- Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
- Don’t lie or produce any false documents.
- Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first.
- Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address.
- If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
- If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
- If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
MAKE A PLAN
Create a safety plan
- Identify your emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers.
- Provide your child’s school or day care with an emergency contact to pick up your child.
- Provide authorization in writing for your emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.
- Tell your loved ones that if you are detained by ICE, they can try to use ICE’s online detainee locator to find you: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
