IF IMMIGRATION VISIT YOUR HOME...

You do NOT have to allow officers to enter your home – unless they have a warrant signed by a judge that either has your name (or someone in your family) or your address on it. Remember, once your door has been opened, it is the same as giving permission to enter. Don’t let children answer the door. Keep your door closed and ask for documents to be passed under the door. If the officers do not have a warrant, they should go away when you say you will not let them in.

If you are stopped outside your home, you should give your name, but be careful not to say anything about your immigration status or where you were born. If the officer does not have a warrant, they cannot arrest you unless they have evidence that you are undocumented. Stay calm. Do not run. This can be treated as an admission that you have something to hide. Remember: Do not carry identity documents from another country or false documents.

IF YOU ARE DETAINED

Do not lie – give your true name.

Use your right to silence – when you are being questioned, say 'I do not want to answer any questions until I’ve spoken to a lawyer'. If the officer keeps questioning you, keep repeating it.

Ask for a list of free or no cost legal services if you do not already have a number for a lawyer.

Ask for your 'alien number' or 'A' number – if it’s not on the I.D. bracelet you’re given when you’re detained, write it on your arm with a pen.

Ask to make a phone call. Call the person most likely to answer at the time you call. You can call an attorney, family or friends. Give them your ‘A’ number. This will make it easier for them and your attorney to locate you.

Don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with your attorney

Without evidence that you are undocumented, the authorities cannot keep detaining you. However, if the authorities believe they have evidence you still have the right to a deportation hearing, provided you have not been deported before.

Ask for a bond – usually, if you have not committed any crimes, ICE will allow you to pay a bond and release you to appear at a hearing later.

PREPARE YOURSELF

Memorize important phone numbers you may need if detained (ICE will take away your cell phone). Make sure any numbers will accept collect calls (this may need to be arranged with a phone provider).

Arrange a bond – think of a family member, friend or clergyperson who you trust and who is a legal resident or citizen who could give ICE the money and sign as an ‘obligator’. Remember, the bond money can be money you have saved that a person you trust looks after for you.

Make a plan to care for your family – especially if you have children or elderly relatives

Make sure your family knows what to do if you are detained – and let them know they can contact Voces de la Frontera at 414-643-1620 for support and advice.