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ICE at the Door

How to handle law enforcement or immigration officers approaching you

If approached by an officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it’s crucial to understand your rights and know how to respond effectively. Here's a list of steps we can take to protect themselves:

 

  1. Stay Calm and Do Not Run
     

    • Running can be perceived as suspicious behavior. Stay calm, composed, and polite, regardless of the situation.
       

  2. Know Your Right to Remain Silent
     

    • You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or citizenship. You can say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
       

  3. Do Not Hand Over Documents Without Consulting a Lawyer
     

    • You are not obligated to provide documents such as passports or immigration papers unless explicitly required by law. Do not present false documents.
       

  4. Ask to See a Warrant
     

    • If ICE officers are at your home, ask to see a warrant signed by a judge. Without a judicial warrant, they cannot legally enter your home unless you consent. Hold the document up to a window or slip it under the door to inspect it without opening the door.
       

  5. Do Not Consent to a Search
     

    • If ICE asks to search your home, car, or belongings, state clearly that you do not consent to a search. Consent allows them to proceed even without a warrant.
       

  6. Document the Encounter
     

    • If possible, write down the officer’s badge number, name, and details of the encounter. If safe, record the interaction on your phone.
       

  7. Request Legal Representation
     

    • If detained, you have the right to contact a lawyer. Do not sign any documents without consulting legal counsel.
       

  8. Carry a Know-Your-Rights Card
     

    • Keep a printed card in your wallet that states your rights (see attached for a sample). These cards are often available from immigrant advocacy groups and can be shown to officers instead of verbally engaging.
       

  9. Notify a Trusted Contact
     

    • Have a plan in place to notify a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer if you are approached or detained. Share your location and any relevant details.
       

  10. Understand Your Rights as a Parent or Caregiver
     

  • If you have children, ensure they know what to do in case you are detained. Designate a trusted guardian and create a family emergency plan.

 

Additional Resources

  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Offers comprehensive "know-your-rights" guides. https://www.aclu.org

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Provides legal education and resources for immigrants. https://www.ilrc.org

  • National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Focuses on defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. https://www.nilc.org

 

Taking these precautions can help you stay protected and ensure that your rights are respected during any interaction with ICE. 

 

Join They See Blue to become a part of a community that believes in protecting immigrant rights.

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