Attorneys Arm Immigrants with Education to Fight ICE Raids

PublishedJanuary 1, 1970

Immigration has always been an important and popular topic in the United States, but in recent years the situation for undocumented immigrants has become even more tense. With frequent raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), many communities feel threatened. However, local organizations are taking it upon themselves to educate immigrants about their legal rights. 

California Legislative Initiatives 

Right now, there is a fight in California to protect the rights of immigrants. Mia Bonta, a member of the California State Assembly, is one of the people involved in this movement. She represents a district that includes Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. In her statement, she emphasizes that ICE is violating the fundamental rights of both citizens and residents, thereby threatening the safety of the people.  She also shared resources that can help immigrants:

  • Know Your Rights: How to Talk to ICE Agents - A video that clearly shows you what to do if ICE officers come to your door.  
  • Resource List - Available in multiple languages to make it accessible to everyone. 
  • California Rapid Response Networks - Emergency hotlines to assist immigrants.  
  • California Department of Justice Website - Has all the helpful information and resources you need. 

Legal defense and advice from attorneys 

Immigration attorneys stress that whether a person is documented or undocumented, he or she has rights. Amanda Alvarado-Ford, deputy director of the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, notes that everyone in the U.S. is protected from illegal searches and has the right to remain silent. She advises immigrants not to talk to ICE officers or sign documents without some form of counseling.  What should you do if ICE comes to you

  1. Do not open the door. ICE has no right to enter your home without a federal warrant. 
  2. Ask to see the warrant. If the paperwork is signed by their officers, that does not make it valid. 
  3. Do not give any information. You have the right to remain silent. 
  4. Demand an attorney. It doesn't matter if you have a lawyer or not, you have the right to say that you need a lawyer. 
  5. Document what happens. Take pictures of the situation with your cell phone.  

KAASS LAW, a law firm with proven attorneys, recommends that you always have documentation of your residence in the U.S. for more than two years nearby. 

ICE in Schools: Protecting Students and Parents 

ICE does not just raid homes or workplaces. Recently, the pressure on students in schools has increased. Viridiana Carrizales, founder of ImmSchools, is dedicated to protecting the rights of students and their families. She argues that because of the Trump administration's policies, immigrant parents are considering not sending their children to school.   But the law protects children regardless of their immigration status:    - The Supreme Court's Plyler v. Doe decision (1982) guarantees that all children in the U.S. have a right to an education.   - FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects students' educational records and prohibits schools from releasing information without a family's permission.   ICE cannot access school records without a court order, Carrizales said.   She advises parents to:   - Have information.   - Do not panic, but be extremely careful and cautious.   - Keep sending your children to school.  

Workplace Raids: What Do You Need to Know  

ICE can come to work. But workers are also protected by the law.    - ICE can enter public places, but not private places, without a warrant.   - No one is required to give information about immigrants without an official request.   - Workers can remain silent and not sign anything without a lawyer. 

How to stay safe  

Human rights organizations advise immigrants to: 

  1. Keep copies of all documents with them.
  2. Write down the hotline number. 
  3. Know your rights. 
  4. Don't sign or say anything without a lawyer.  
  5. Don't open doors unless ICE has a federal warrant. 

Additional Immigrant Protection Strategies

In addition to knowing their rights, it is important for immigrants to prepare in advance for possible ICE raids, and human rights organizations recommend several strategies:

1. Make a thorough plan in case of a raid

- Be prepared with important information, such as attorney addresses and hotline numbers.

- Memorize at least two important phone numbers of people who can help you.

- Prepare a special folder with copies of documents that prove your status.

2. Seek legal assistance Immigration lawyers can help at all stages.

- They can prepare a bond application.

- Check the legality of search warrants.

- Represent the immigrant in court.

3. Use modern technology Human rights activists offer mobile apps to help immigrants in detention

Immigration raids create an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness, but knowing your rights will protect you. Organizations and attorneys across the country are doing everything they can to help immigrants.  If you need help with your immigration case, you can call KAASS LAW (844) 522-7752 to speak with our experienced immigration attorney.