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It can be extremely frightening if ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) shows up at your house and you are not a legal citizen. If you or a loved one is facing this situation: here is what you or they need to keep in mind:
- Don’t Open the Door — you legally don’t have to. Instead, if the people at the door say they’re agents from ICE, ask if they have a warrant. If they do, ask them to put it underneath the door.
If you get the warrant, look to make sure your name, address, and a signature are present. There are two types of warrants that can be given to you — a search warrant that allows authorized agents to search your home and an arrest warrant. If you are served an arrest warrant, it is best for you, and no one else, to step outside to the agents.
- Document What Is Happening, If Possible — having documentation can help your case. If you or others in your home are able, take pictures and videos of everything going on if ICE comes to your home. Write down the license plates of the agents and their badge numbers. This can make a difference if anything illegal action is conducted by ICE agents.
- Remain Silent — this way, you are not incriminating yourself should your case go to an immigration judge. You do not want to give any personal information to agents and fight the pressure to provide identification cards and papers until you have an attorney, which leads to the most important tip:
- Contact an Attorney — an immigration attorney has seen it all. Anyone taken into custody has the right to an attorney. Having an experienced attorney only a phone call away makes a significant difference in how quickly someone may be detained.
When you or a loved one needs an immigration attorney, contact the team at The Sekou Clarke Law Group. Our lawyers have kept those facing deportation here in the U.S. with their loved ones and can help you. Contact us today.