If you're in this country legally, you may feel that you're safe from immigration raids. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. There have been instances where individuals with legal status have been detained by ICE agents. To make sure that you receive the protection you need during an immigration raid, familiarize yourself with the tips provided below.
Don't Travel Without Documentation
If you're in the United States legally but you haven't received citizenship status yet, you need to be concerned about ICE raids. Getting caught in an ICE raid will put you at the mercy of the immigration department, especially if you're not prepared. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to always carry the proper documentation with you. Carrying your green card or other immigration documentation will allow you to clear your immigration status quickly during a raid. However, be sure to avoid carrying paperwork from your home country. Unfortunately, carrying documentation from any other country can put you at risk during an immigration raid.
Be Preemptive in Your Legal Approach
You need to be preemptive with your legal protection. The best way to do that is to hire an immigration attorney before you're caught in an ICE raid. Sit down with an immigration attorney and explain your situation. This initial meeting will allow you to form a relationship with the person who will provide you with legal assistance, should the need arise. Remember to always carry your attorney's business card with you. That way, you can contact them quickly in an emergency. For added protection, write the words "I want to speak to my attorney" on the back of the card.
Remain Calm and Respectful During Raid
If you're caught up in an immigration raid, the most important thing you can do is remain calm and respectful. Emotions are going to be running high on both sides. Unfortunately, allowing those emotions to get the best of you can put you at risk for the use of force, which you want to avoid at all costs. Instead, remain calm and provide ICE agents with your full name. Giving a false name can get you into trouble later. If possible, provide your immigration documentation immediately.
Know How to Ask for Immediate Legal Assistance
If you're caught in an immigration raid and ICE agents refuse to look at your legal status documents, you'll need to ask for legal assistance immediately. As soon as you're detained, you need to start asking for access to your attorney. If you're worried that you won't know how to ask for legal assistance should the need arise, present ICE agents with the attorney business card that you should have in your wallet or pocket. Your written statement on the back of the card will serve as notice that you won't speak without your attorney.
Contact resources like the David Borts Law Office for more information.
Share13 February 2020
Immigration policies can be tough to navigate. It can seem that there are different policies and procedures for every situation, and it can be tough to know which situation applies to you. That's where hiring an immigration attorney can come in handy. They can ensure you fill out the proper paper work, submit it to the correct offices, and do everything in the proper order. We know immigration law can be confusing, but we're here to help shed a little light on the topic. On this website, we've collected articles to inform you about this type of law and the attorneys who practice it.