MASS DEPORTATIONS

Know your rights and fight back (Helpful information in case of ICE encounters)

 

To my readers, there is a lot of anxiety since President Trump announced and started the “mass deportation” campaign that he had been promising during the election cycle.  We have read many stories and rumors of ICE raids and arrests.  Often, it is hard to tell how much is true and to what extent.

In any event, it never hurts to be prepared.    First step, if you do have lawful status, keep proof of that with you in order to avoid any potential headaches.  Keep your “green card” or United States passport card with you just in case.

If you are undocumented and have a criminal record or outstanding removal/deportation order, or both immediately contact an experienced immigration attorney and discuss possible options.  All is not lost, there may be viable options that you can utilize.

If you encounter ICE, be ready.  As a first rule, if you encounter ICE in the streets, try to stay calm and do not run.  Doing so will only complicate your case.   Politely ask the officer, if your are  free to go.  If the officer answers “yes,” calmly walk away.   If the answer is “no,” stay calm and do not walk away.  If you are being questioned, do not answer any questions and inform the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent.  Always ask for a lawyer.  Do not talk about your immigration status and do not talk about when and how you came to the United States.  If an officer searches you or wants to search, say, politely say you do not give permission to be searched.

If ICE comes  to your home, keep  in mind that you do not have to open the door.  Ask the officer to present a valid search warrant.  Ask them to slide the warrant  under your door.  If they don’t have a valid search warrant, they CANNOT enter your home.   If they have a warrant, make sure it is signed by a judge or magistrate (not an immigration official);  shows the address to be searched  and states in detail where the agent will search.

Please remember, a search warrant is NOT the same as a warrant for removal or deportation.   These are different documents issued by different officials.  You do not have to let them into your home if they only have a warrant for removal or deportation.

Finally, if you are unfortunate enough to be detained by ICE,  remember  that you have a right to an attorney so ask to speak to a lawyer.   Again, you have a right to remain silent.  Do not answer questions. Do not sign anything without a lawyer.  Do not talk about your immigration status. Do not talk about when and how you came to the United States.  Importantly, if you choose to speak, do not lie or show fake documents.

We hope this information is helpful.  We are ready and able to help and assist you in any manner.    We believe that everyone deserves a fair opportunity to obtain lawful status  and we make sure that all of our clients are in position to put their best case forward.

 

KazaryanLaw