Resources for Individuals or Families at Risk
Preparing for possible confrontation with immigration agents
In advance:
- If you are not a US citizen, it is vital that you establish a relationship with an immigration lawyer if you do not have one already. Some detainees are moved fairly quickly to a remote site – it’s important to be able to have a lawyer who can engage immediately. Memorize your lawyer’s number.
- Carry COPIES of important documents that prove your status. Originals can be lost and be very hard to replace. Carry a paystub which shows that you are employed and pay taxes.
- Disable facial recognition on phones – if an agent grabbed your phone, they could hold it up to your face and access anything on the phone.
- Ensure that your driver’s license and car inspection are up to date. Drive carefully to avoid being stopped. [Note: police in Lexington and many surrounding towns are banned from sharing information with ICE unless there is a legal warrant.]
- Discuss with your employer what space in the work premises is considered private – agents are not allowed in private space without a warrant. For instance, in a restaurant, the dining room is public, but the kitchen may be considered private.
- Avoid air travel, even domestic.
- Carry a Red Card with essential rights information.
- Gather important immigration-related documents in one place, and be sure people you trust know where they are.
- While this is painful to discuss, consider what would happen to a child if one or both parents were detained. This document about family preparedness is useful to guide the conversation. Family Preparedness
When being confronted by an ICE or Border Patrol agent:
- If you are able, call LUCE (617-370-5023), which may be able to send observers/advocates.
- If you are in your home, you do not have to open the door unless they have a judicial warrant (see “Basic Know-Your-Rights” slide deck below for images). An agent may try to tell you that you have to open the door or say, “we just have a few questions.” Do not open the door.
- You have the right to remain silent. It may be tempting to try and explain something, but it is too easy to say something you shouldn’t. REMAIN SILENT.
- If you are in a public space – Do Not Run, Do Not Resist. Ask if you are free to leave.
- If you are in a car, the driver must show license and registration.
- Do not make sudden movements.
- If you need to get something out of your pocket, the glove compartment, or the back seat, explain what you are about to do, and move slowly.
If you are detained:
- Continue to remain silent except to ask to call your lawyer and, if you are afraid to return to your home country, tell them that repeatedly.
- Do not sign anything.
- Do not accept “Voluntary Departure.”
- Do not rely on immigration agents to explain your rights.
Know-Your-Rights
More Resources
LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of MA.
617-370-5023
LUCE maintains a hotline for reporting ICE sightings, has volunteers who do neighborhood watches, and may respond to calls to witness detentions.
MIRA Immigration Helpline
508-293-1871
This is not for crises, or specific legal advice. They can answer general questions and refer you to other resources.
Lawyers for Civil Rights
Immigration Defense Hotline 617-988-0606. justice@lawyersforcivilrights.org
MACI (Massachussetts Access to Counsel Initiative)
508-505-4588
This is a referral line to connect with legal representation for people in removal proceedings.
Immigrant Family Services Institute
617-322-1348
(IFSI) has offices in Mattapan and Malden. Limited legal services. https://www.ifsi-usa.org
Catholic Charities
617-464-8500
Some legal services, including an $80 consultation to provide guidance on next steps.
https://www.ccab.org/refugee-immigrant-services/immigrant-legal-services/
Immigration Advocates Network
A listing of organizations which provide legal services.
PAIR (Political Asylum Immigration Representation
617-742-9296
Pro-bono, but may be hard to get hold of.
https://www.pairproject.org
Mass Legal Help
Has a variety of information on their immigration page, including this list of agencies and legal resources:
https://www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration