Ever since Trump signed his Executive Order on immigration — one of his first in office _ there has been noticeable fear in immigrant communities across the country. Last week’s widespread raids that seemed to sweep the country are only solidifying that fear for many who are in the country illegally. The Obama administration was no stranger to deportations — deporting approximately 2 million — but under the Obama administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents had a clear focus on who was to be deported.
Now, with Trump’s Executive Order in effect, it seems harder to tell where the line for deportation is drawn, if there is one at all. While the Department of Homeland Security claims that the raids are routine and not unlike the ones held under the Obama administration, Trump has taken full credit for the deportations (via Twitter, of course), saying, “The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise.”
With the increase in raids and the mounting fear in immigrant communities, it is important to know what to do if and when immigration comes knocking on your door.
1. Do not open the door.
You have the right to deny them entry but remain calm and ask for a warrant. If they have one it must be signed by a judge. (ICE warrants do not allow for agents to enter your home without consent.)
2. Ask why they are there and request an interpreter if you need one.
3. If they force their way in remain calm, remain silent and do not resist. Do not run or it may look like an admission of guilt.
4. Do not show false identification or documents from your home country.
Do not show anything that may get you deported. If you have valid immigration status documents show them and carry them with you.
5. If you are stopped by police, you have the right to ask if you are being arrested or detained.
If they say no then you have the right to walk away. If they say yes, then remain silent until you can get a lawyer.
6. Do not give your passport or documents to immigration agents.
7. Devise a plan with your family and loved ones in case one of you should be deported.
For more helpful tips about ICE raids and deportations, check out these links:
Top photo via Wikimedia Commons
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