In today’s political atmosphere of heavy-handed immigration enforcement
tactics, many immigrant families are living in fear of an encounter with
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, whether in public or
at their own homes. Rampant news stories of immigrants being detained
by ICE in courthouses, at traffic stops, at workplaces, at their homes,
or even while dropping off children at school have made immigrants and
their families leery of any interaction with ICE agents. Therefore, it
is essential that all immigrants know their legal rights when it comes
to ICE, both to protect themselves and safeguard any defenses that they
may have to deportation. First, if an ICE agent approaches you on the
street or in a public place, do not answer any questions or even say your
name. Rather, you should ask, “Am I free to go?” If the agent
tells you that you are free to go, then tell him or her that you don’t
want to talk or answer any questions, and walk away. On the other hand,
if the ICE agent tells you that you are NOT free to go, then tell him
or her that you are exercising your right not to answer any questions,
and that you want to speak to a lawyer. If an ICE agent attempts to search
you, tell him or her that you do not consent to the search. However, do
not resist, try to run, or act impolite toward the agent; doing so is
likely to get you nowhere, and may result in you being charged with resisting
arrest or a similar crime. At the same time, you do not have to cooperate
by giving any information to ICE or answering their questions. Do not
show them any documents, whether they are false or legitimate, and do
not give them any information about your country of origin or immigration
status. If ICE knocks on your door, you do not have to let them in unless
they have a warrant signed by a judge. Even if you open your door in response
to a knock, ICE agents cannot come in without a warrant or the permission
of an adult resident. You have the right to ask whether the agents are
from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE, and if they have
a warrant that is signed by a judge (not just an immigration supervisor).
Try to stay calm, remain polite, and simply turn them away, stating that
you don’t wish to speak with them or allow them in your home. They
may make threats toward you, but they may very well be false, so simply
remain calm and do not respond in fear or anger. Knowing your rights with
ICE can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your loved ones from
deportation. However, there are instances in which knowing your rights
still will not prevent your eventual arrest, detention, and deportation.
If you or a loved one is facing deportation, don’t lose hope. From
California to Arizona, the deportation defense attorneys of
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.
know how to help you through every step of your deportation proceedings.
Take the first step today toward securing the future of your family in
the United States, and call our office at (510) 756-4468 to set up a
legal consultation with one of our highly skilled immigration lawyers.
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