This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 14, 2019, the Trump administration launched immigration raids targeting approximately 20,000 families across 10 US cities. Although the raids were expected to be massive, reports indicate that only a handful of arrests have been made so far.
As a result, immigration lawyers are urging individuals with open deportation cases or uncertain immigration status to consult with immigration law experts as soon as possible to avoid being caught up in any future raids.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reminds immigrants that they have Constitutionally guaranteed rights, regardless of their immigration status. If ICE agents show up at your door, the ACLU advises:
- Stay calm and keep the door closed. ICE should not enter your home without permission, unless they have a valid arrest warrant.
- Exercise your right to remain silent, even if the officer has a warrant.
- Do not lie about your immigration status or provide false documents.
- Do not sign anything without first speaking with a lawyer.
- Do not run.
- If ICE agents claim to have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so that you can read it.
- If ICE agents force their way in, do not resist. It is your constitutional right to remain silent.
- Be aware that if you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
