Protect Yourself From Immigration Raids

The Department of Homeland Security has recently intensified its enforcement activity and immigration raids. The following are helpful tips to protect and assist you if you come into contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

• Always remember that you have the right to remain silent!
  

If you are arrested you have the right to refuse to answer questions. If you choose to answer questions, don’t lie! You should tell the officer: “I need to speak to my lawyer”

• Do NOT open the door!
  

If immigration officers knock on your door, do not open the door. Opening the door may be considered as an invitation to enter your home. Immigration officers may say they are looking for a particular person but once they are in your home they may look for others.

• If Immigration officers come to your workplace make sure they have a valid warrant
  

Immigration officers must have a warrant signed by a judge or your employer’s permission to enter the workplace. If you work in a public place, Immigration does not need a warrant. Do not run as running may be perceived as an admission of guilt. Remain calm.

• If Immigration stops you on the street or in a public space, do not give them information
  

If an Immigration officer stops you on the street and does not have a warrant, the officer may not arrest you UNLESS they have evidence that you are a non-citizen. Therefore do not disclose your immigration status or tell the officer where you were born.

• Make an action plan with your co-workers
  

Discuss with your co-workers, regardless of their immigration status, to see if they are willing to make a collective decision that everyone will remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney in the event of a workplace raid. Tell your co-workers not to run and to remain calm if there is a raid.

• Make prior arrangements to care for your family
  

If you have dependent children or elderly relatives, make arrangements in advance for a family relative or friend to care for them if you are detained. Have the telephone numbers of this relative or friend with you at all times and make sure that other people know of these plans.

• Appoint someone you trust to handle your affairs
  

Designate individuals you trust, in advance, to make decisions for you if you are detained. This way they can help you withdraw money for deportation expenses, make your mortgage or other obligations, and have legal authority to handle your affairs. You can do this by signing a “power of attorney agreement” to give power to someone if you are arrested.

• Make a copy of all immigration and important documents
  

Keep a copy of all immigration documents that have been filed with immigration with a family member or friend you trust.Also make copies of other important documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport. Place the originals in a safe and secure location where a family member or friend can get access to the documents easily.

• If you are arrested, you should remember that you have the right to remain silent
  

If you are arrested you may remain silent. If you are being asked questions, ask to speak with a lawyer.If you are asked to sign any documents, say to the officer: “I will not sign any documents before speaking with a lawyer.” You also have the right to make a telephone call after you are arrested.Memorize the number of your family members and attorneys, and contact them to update them on your whereabouts.

• Ask for Bond
  

If you are arrested and are in immigration custody, ask for bond and for a copy of your “Notice to Appear” which contains the immigration charges against you. Provide this information to your attorney.

• Remember: Stay calm, remain silent, and ask for your attorney.
  

If your family member, relative, or friend has been detained, please contact our office at (410)992-6602 for assistance.