In light of the recent changes to ICE enforcement, it is crucial for communities to stay informed and prepared in case ICE agents show up in everyday spaces like schools, workplaces, homes, churches, hospitals, or during a public encounter. Understanding your rights and knowing what to do in these situations can help reduce fear and protect your safety and privacy.
Here are some essential steps to take if ICE shows up in different scenarios:
1. If ICE Shows Up at Your School
Verify Their Purpose: Always ask for the agents' names, badge numbers, and credentials. ICE agents need a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter your school.
Protect Student Rights: All children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a public education. Inform students and staff about their right to remain silent and not answer questions about their immigration status.
Document the Encounter: Record agents’ names, badge numbers, and what they say. Make sure you follow school policies regarding ICE visits.
Stay Prepared: Review and communicate your institution’s policies with all staff to ensure that everyone knows how to respond appropriately.
2. If ICE Shows Up at Your Workplace
Verify Their Identity: Request agents’ credentials and a valid judicial warrant. Without a warrant, they do not have the legal right to enter your workplace.
Know Employee Rights: Inform employees that they do not need to answer questions about their immigration status. They are not required to show ID unless legally required.
Protect Personal Information: Do not share employee records or personal information without a valid subpoena or warrant.
Document the Interaction: If safe, document the agents’ details and what they are doing. Contact an attorney if necessary.
3. If ICE Shows Up at Your Home
Don’t Open the Door: ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door for review.
Verify the Warrant: Make sure the warrant is specific to your address and signed by a judge. Administrative warrants from ICE are not valid for entry.
Protect Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or provide any information about your immigration status.
Document the Interaction: If safe, take note of the agents’ names, badge numbers, and actions. Contact an attorney for further assistance.
4. If ICE Shows Up at Your Workplace
Verify Their Identity and Purpose: Always ask for the agents' names, badge numbers, and a judicial warrant if they seek to enter the premises.
Inform Employees of Their Rights: Remind employees that they have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about their immigration status.
Do Not Share Personal Information: Do not provide employees’ personal or employment records without a valid subpoena or judicial warrant.
Document the Encounter: If safe, record the agents' names, badge numbers, and actions. Contact an attorney if needed.
5. If ICE Stops You in Public
Remain Calm and Polite: You have the right to remain silent. If you are not being arrested, ask if you are free to leave.
Know Your Rights: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status. You are not required to provide ID unless you are being detained or arrested.
Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign documents without consulting an attorney.
Document the Encounter: If safe, record the interaction. Get agents' names, badge numbers, and any relevant details for reporting purposes.
6. If ICE Stops You During a Traffic Stop
Remain Calm: Stay in your vehicle and keep your hands visible. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
Verify Their Identity: Ask for the agents’ names and badge numbers. Request to see a judicial warrant if they want to search your vehicle.
Know Your Rights: In Washington, passengers are not required to provide ID during a traffic stop.
If It’s a Police Officer: Do not share your immigration status, even if asked. Politely say, "I will not share my status with you."
Document the Encounter: Record details of the interaction, including the agents' actions, badge numbers, and the time of the stop.
How to Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent or Speak with an Attorney
If you choose to remain silent or want to speak to a lawyer, you must affirmatively state your intention. Simply remaining silent or not answering questions is not enough; you must clearly communicate your decision.
To remain silent: Say, “I choose to remain silent.”
To speak with an attorney: Say, “I want to talk to my lawyer.”
By stating these clearly, you are asserting your rights and ensuring your protection under the law.
Reporting ICE Sightings
If you see or experience an ICE sighting in your community, it is essential to report it. In Washington state, you can call the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) hotline at 1-844-724-3737 (Monday-Friday; 8am-6pm) to report sightings of ICE activity. By calling the hotline, you can help local organizations track ICE’s presence in the community and offer support to those who may need it.
If you choose to share ICE sightings on social media or with others, please follow these guidelines:
Take photos and videos if possible and safe to do so.
Report the time, date, and location (city and street).
Note when the ICE agents leave and describe what they were doing.
Be mindful that disseminating unverified sightings can lead to unnecessary fear and panic in the community. It is important to verify information before sharing to prevent misinformation from spreading.
Plan Ahead: Create and Share Your Organization's ICE Protocol
Schools, hospitals, churches, organizations, and businesses should create a clear plan for what to do if ICE authorities come to their location. Having a written plan in place will help staff act quickly and confidently during a potentially stressful situation.
Here are some key steps for creating your plan:
Define Staff Roles: Identify who will be responsible for verifying agents' credentials, protecting privacy, and documenting the encounter.
Clear Procedures for ICE Interaction: Outline the process for verifying judicial warrants, informing staff of the right to remain silent, and ensuring that no one shares personal or confidential information without authorization.
Train Staff Regularly: Ensure that all staff are informed about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with ICE, and that they are familiar with the organization's policies.
Distribute the Plan Widely: Make sure the plan is shared with all staff, and encourage them to review it regularly to ensure preparedness.
By creating and distributing a preparedness plan, your organization can support the rights and safety of your community while minimizing confusion and fear.
Stay Prepared, Stay Informed
Everyone deserves to live without fear of unjust detainment or harassment. By staying informed, knowing your rights, and understanding the proper steps to take when ICE shows up, we can work together to protect our communities. Share this information widely and help those around you prepare for such situations.
If you ever feel uncertain or unsafe, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer or trusted organization for legal guidance and support. Together, we can make sure that our communities stay strong and protected.
