Understanding Your Rights if You Encounter ICE

Every person in the United States has rights, regardless of their immigration status. Unfortunately, this does not mean that those rights are always upheld by law enforcement officials or immigration authorities. The rights of immigrants today seem to be under increasing threat, particularly if you have been approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In these situations, the steps you take can greatly impact your case but many people do not know what to do. Below, our Atlanta immigration attorney outlines what to do if approached by ICE.

Prepare for an Encounter

The steps to take start even before you have been approached by ICE and these can help you be better prepared in case it ever happens. The following tips can help you prepare for such an encounter:

• Memorize the phone numbers of your emergency contacts.
• Provide your child’s caregivers or school with an emergency contact who can pick your child up from school.
• Give authorization, in writing, of your emergency contact to make legal and medical decisions on behalf of your child.
• Inform your loved one of ICE’s locator system for detainees if you are ever held in custody.

Remain Calm

Even if you believe ICE agents have no reason to approach or question you, remain calm. Do not provide false documents or lie about your immigration status. Inform the officer if you need to reach into your pocket or glove compartment to retrieve your papers indicating your immigration status.

Remain Silent 

You do not have a legal obligation to answer an immigration agent’s questions. Anything you say will likely be used against you in the future. It is best to remain silent and only ask to speak to an attorney. After speaking to an attorney, you will be better prepared when facing immigration officials and know how to protect your rights.

Do Not Open the Door

If an ICE agent comes to your home, do not open the door for them and teach your children to never open the door for them, as well. ICE agents are required to have a judicial warrant to enter your home. ICE often uses administrative warrants, which are not the same and do not give them permission to enter or search your home. Check the signature and the issuing authority to determine if the warrant is judicial. Ask the agent to hold the warrant up to the door or window so you do not have to open the door to check.

Move Inside 

If you are outside and believe you see ICE agents, move to a safe place inside. Do not intervene or interfere with the investigation and do not post unverified information on social media.

Call an Immigration Lawyer in Atlanta 

The most important thing you can do if you encounter ICE agents is to contact an Atlanta immigration lawyer. An attorney will advise you of your rights, ensure they are protected, and inform you of the next steps to take. For a consultation to discuss your case and needs, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc., today at 404-523-3611.

Serving clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.

Source:

locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search