How to prepare for an ICE raid

What is happening? ICE has started to deport immigrants who are in the country without papers. This includes immigrants with criminal history, immigrants with old orders of removal, and immigrants who have applied for and been denied immigration status. ICE has begun raids at people’s homes, at work, and also at public places like malls.

How to prepare yourself: Find a lawyer or community based organization that you know or trust and make sure they have a copy of your name, A number, date of birth, and emergency contact information. Also share this information with a family member or friend who does not live with you. When walking around do NOT carry any documents from your home country with you. If you do not have any US government IDs and live in New York we advise you to get an IDNYC as soon as possible. You can get information about the IDNYC by calling 311. ·

What are your rights? You have the right to ask ICE for a warrant before they enter your house, you have the right to ask to speak to a lawyer and you have the right to remain silent. Unfortunately ICE has been known to enter homes even without a warrant and even if you ask them not to. Rights are being violated. So it is important to be prepared.

If a raid happens: State your rights by asking for a warrant and to speak with your lawyer. Do NOT answer any questions or sign anything without a lawyer. If you or anyone in your house is able take photographs, recordings on your phone and/or write down officers names and badge numbers. Call your attorney/community organization FIRST THING to get information on what you can do next.