What To Do When You See ICE Agents In Your Neighborhood
Because I sadly have to give you a heads up these days.
Hey guys! I wanted to talk to you about what to do if you end up seeing an immigration raid in your neighborhood. Don’t be shocked or look too deep into this; it’s just the right thing to do. Everyone has a role to play in this, and you can be a hero.
The truth is that most of us are worried and scared for our neighbors. Having a plan in place and knowing what to do can be a huge help to not just you, but your neighbors and friends. Even if you are legal, it’s good to know what to do. May this guide be good to you.
If you are worried or scared, you need to know you’re not alone. From someone who’s just as nervous, it’s hard not to be alarmed at the new raids.
Your work right now can save human lives. Only people who are united against hate can overcome the troubles that #47 will cause. United, we’re never defeated.
Can you blame me for giving that pep talk? As long as yours truly is writing, you can bet on me trying to stay as sunny as possible. Now, let’s get to tips on how to deal with the new gestapo.
#1: Demand to see a signed federal warrant if they show up at your door.
Do not open the door to ICE agents unless they have a warrant. Do not talk to them. If they ask about your neighbors, say that you keep to yourself and don’t know much about them.
Keep your door closed. Talk to them through the door.
The less information you offer, the more you will be able to keep others safe. Once the raid is done, alert your friends to what happened in whatever way you feel is safest.
Ask them to slip the warrant under the door. ICE agents are allowed to lie, so you may as well call their bluff before you open the door to them.
For further information, the Oregon ACLU states:
“Look at the top and at the signature line to see if it was issued by a court and signed by a judge. Only a court/judge warrant is enough for entry into your premises. One issued by DHS or ICE and signed by a DHS or ICE employee is not.
View an example of an order by a judge
View an example of an order by ICE
Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address.
In all other cases, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
If agents force their way in anyway, do not attempt to resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
Always, ALWAYS consult a lawyer as soon as you can.
#2: Ask approaching officers for ID.
You don't know if they’re really ICE. Let them show that they are legitimate. It can also help you stall them while others take notice and get away from the area — assuming they see you.
#3: No matter where you see them, ask why they are there.
This serves three purposes. First, they need to have a legitimate reason as to they are at your door, on your bus, on your trains, or stopping your car. If they don’t have a warrant and a legit reason, they shouldn’t be there.
Second, you need to know why they are there. It may be a mistake or it may be that someone called ICE to report immigrants in your area.
Third, it also helps stall them. This way, if passers-by see them, they can alert others to flee.
#4: If you are a legal citizen or a natural-born citizen, show them your papers AFTER they show you a warrant.
If they see your papers, they will most likely leave. It’s worth noting that you are allowed to videotape the interaction in single-party consent states. This can be a smart move and it will also prevent them from trying to pull fast one.
#5: Remember that you have the right to remain silent.
You can always stay quiet if you are being questioned. This is not against the law. It’s better to say nothing than to say something that can incriminate you — and almost everything you say can incriminate you.
Ask for a lawyer immediately if they arrest you, especially if you have already shown them citizenship papers.
#6: If you see someone being taken away, ask them why they are being taken and where they are being detained.
First, this makes ICE agents uncomfortable because they know what they are doing is wrong. Second, it also gives you vital information as to where these people are going to be held.
That information can help their families find them. If you are a friend of theirs, you can also use that information to get into contact with them, tell their friends, and help them obtain a lawyer.
#7: Keep your papers on you at all times.
If you have a passport, now is the time to carry it. No, it doesn’t matter if you’re a citizen or not. You need to carry them on you just in case you’re stopped.
#8: If you are legal and ICE is on a bus, train, or plane, don’t show your ID and ask them why they’re there.
This gives them a hard time and gets the attention off of people who may not be citizens.
#9: If ICE forces their way in, do not resist and do not sign anything without a lawyer nearby.
Make a point of doing everything possible to ensure that you have your rights protected. Do not resist arrest, but do demand a lawyer and ALWAYS stay silent.
#10: If you see something, say something and spread the word immediately.
Did you see an ICE van in your neighborhood? Start knocking on doors and tell people what you saw. Text people and say what you saw so they can warn others as well.
If you run into a conservative, try to find out (politely without them realizing what you’re doing) if they called ICE on a neighbor. This way, people can know who to avoid in the area.
#11: Remember, if you voted for Trump, their blood is on your hands.
If you see families crying, children asking where their parents are, and similar, congratulations. This is your fault. Soak it in and think of all the children who have been hurt by your actions, you “pro-life” bastard.
Note: Article is totally for entertainment purposes. If you need legal help, please consult a lawyer.
I live in an area unlikely to face this (small town) but you never know. My husband is a permanent legal resident. His papers are 100 percent but who knows if they’ll respect that. I do not trust Trumpers.
This is so important. Please also note that many people will be shipped out of state to detentions areas like in Arizona. You must put money in a telephone service that the detention service uses so that they can contact you. They cannot call collect. (Rule might have changed so check). It is expensive so check out a few. Many held will let someone new know all the rules and ways so theyll know about the phone. I live in CA. My husband was picked up (and he was legal) and shipped to Arizona. It took me over 2 weeks to find him. They don't make it easy.