Know your rights during an Immigration Raid

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently stepped up its immigration enforcement efforts. Starting this week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun conducting “immigration raids” across the country targeting individuals and families who have entered the United States within the last two years and who have an order of removal from the U.S. Immigration Court.

Many non-citizens in United States can be caught up in these caught up in these raids, regardless of whether they are the intended target. Thus, it is essential that members of the immigrant community be prepared for an ICE raid and know their legal rights.

Below are a few tips, developed by immigration advocacy groups that help ensure that non-citizens know their rights and are prepared to deal with ICE Agents.

Prepare yourself:

1. Create an emergency child care plan for your children.
2. Prepare a document that authorizes another competent adult to care for your minor children if you are detained or deported.
3. Memorize your Alien Registration Number or “A Number.” This is a nine digit number that is assigned to you during removal proceedings or the immigration process.
4. Memorize the telephone number of two (2) close family members or friends that you can contact at any time. Make sure that these two people also know your Alien Number, full name and date of birth.
5. Know the contact information of a competent Immigration Lawyer. Carry the lawyer’s business card with you at all times.
6. Never use or carry false documents.

Know your rights:

1. If ICE visits your home, you are not required to open the door or let ICE Agents enter the home unless they present an Arrest Order that names you specifically and contains the correct address of the raid. If ICE has an Arrest Order, ask that the agents slip it under the door for you to confirm that the order has your correct name and address as the person to be arrested.
2. Remain silent. You are not required to provide any information to the ICE Agents prior to speaking to your lawyer.
3. Ask to speak to your lawyer.
4. Do NOT sign any document or paper without first speaking with your lawyer.
5. Document the ICE raid, take photos, ask for the name of the ICE Agents and their Identification numbers.

Be careful, thoughtful, prepared and know your rights.