For Your Safety

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECT YOURSELF

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Stay vigilant

  • Remain silent: Don’t answer any questions. You may also say that you want to remain silent.
  • Do not reveal personal information: Don’t say anything about
    where you were born or how you entered the U.S.  You are not
    required to give your name in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
  • Carry a know-your-rights card: The card explains that you will remain silent and that you wish to speak with an attorney.

What to do if an Immigration Officer comes to your home.

  • Don’t Open The Door: You are not required to open the door.  An Immigration Officer (ICE) must have a warrant signed by a judge.
  • Verify The Warrant: lf an Immigration Officer (ICE) wants to show you a warrant, they can hold it against a window or slide it under the door.  To be valid, the warrant must have your correct name and address on it and a judge’s signature.  If they don’t have it, do not open the door.

If you are arrested, you have the right to speak to a lawyer.

  • Ask for a lawyer: You can say, “I need to speak to my attorney.”
  • Before you sign anything, talk to a lawyer:  An Immigration Officer (ICE) may try to get you to sign away your right to a lawyer or a judge.

Never leave home without it.

  • Always carry with you any valid immigration document your have: If you have a valid work permit or green card, carry it with you.  Do not carry fake documents – IT’S A FELONY.
  • Don’t carry papers from another country: A foreign passport could be used against you.

Preparation is key

  • Memorize a contact number: Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are arrested.
  •  If your care for someone, make a plan:  Make sure someone can care for children or dependents if you are detained.
  • Keep important documents in a safe place:  A friend or family member can access them if necessary.

If you are detained by an Immigration Officer

  • Make sure they have your alien registration number written down: If you have one. 
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) online detainee locator: locator.ice.gov/odls//homePage.do
  • Local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) office:  www.ice.gov/contact/ero
  • Check the status of your case by calling EOIR’s toll-free line:  1-800-898-7180 (24/7)