What To Know In An ICE Raid. First, You have rights and should not give them up.
There are ongoing immigration enforcement actions – these are hitting both noncitizens and citizens. It is critical you know and understand your rights if you are stopped by ICE (La Migra).
Regardless of your immigration status and what some will say on social media, individuals do have rights.
This is a list of ways you can protect yourself and advocate for others.
What To Know In An ICE Raid: Your Rights
Some of your rights are listed below. Please believe how critical it is and pass on this what to know in an ICE raid list in your community.
Right to Remain Silent – You do NOT have to answer any questions about your immigration status or where you were born. Say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” If push comes to shove, tell ICE to talk to your attorney.
Do Not Lie/Falsify Documents – It may be tempting to lie about your status, but please don’t. Never provide fake documents, either. Just state that you want your attorney present.
Right to Refuse a Search – ICE cannot search you or your belongings without your consent or a valid warrant signed by a judge. If they do not have one, you can say, “I do not consent to this search.”
Do Not Open the Door – If ICE comes to your home, you are not required to open the door unless they show a valid judicial warrant (signed by a judge, not an ICE officer). Ask them to slide it under the door. Again, avoid confrontation when you can!
Right to a Lawyer – You can speak to an attorney. Do not sign anything without consulting a lawyer. If you are detained, ask for legal representation immediately.
What To Know In An ICE Raid: Be Safe, Advocate For Yourself
Stay Calm & Do Not Run – Running or resisting may be used against you. Stay calm and assert your rights respectfully.
Carry a Know-Your-Rights Card – If you are uncomfortable speaking, hand ICE a card that states your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.
Do Not Discuss Your Status – Remember, anything you say can be used against you in immigration proceedings. The best option is just to stay silent and ask for legal representation.
Have a Safety Plan – If you or your loved ones are at risk, plan by keeping emergency contacts and legal aid information accessible. Having a folder of your legal documents stored somewhere safe and accessible is highly recommended.
Memorize Important Numbers – Have the contact info of a trusted attorney or immigrant rights organization written down if you lose access to your phone.
What To Know In An ICE Raid: If Detained
Remain Silent – You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or birthplace.
Request a Lawyer – You have the right to legal counsel, though ICE will not provide one. Contact a trusted immigration attorney.
Do Not Sign Anything – Without legal advice, signing documents may lead to deportation. Ask to speak with a lawyer first.
Contact Your Family or Legal Help – You have the right to make a phone call. Use it to notify your family or a lawyer about your situation.
Most of all keep in mind that you do not have to sign anything OR speak to ICE. You have the right to a lawyer and do not have to speak to ICE officers. Stay calm, bed respectful, and use a system to remember phone numbers and locations of important documents.
It is important you know what to know in an ICE raid so you can be prepared. You need to know each of the steps to protect yourselves and your family.
Flip Texas Blue will be putting together a list of Texas immigration lawyers across the state shortly to help those in need of representation.
Readers can contact Flip Texas Blue with information on other protests across the state or reported sightings of ICE.
