Resources
Our communities are resilient. Time and time again, we have faced oppression and emerged stronger, more united, and more determined. As we anticipate the challenges ahead, including unprecedented attacks under a second Trump term, we remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting our freedoms, families, and future.
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This guide is for those facing the challenges of increased immigration enforcement—and for anyone willing to serve as a support, advocate, or ally in their community.
Stay Protected. Stay Informed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Please consider this is a physical paper copy, NOT in your phone.
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Paper Copy of the official government letter stating your legal status:
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This letter can be from USCIS or any other government agency that has granted your status.
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Ensure the information is clear and legible.
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Paper Copy of your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) or U.S. Passport.
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If you are a permanent resident, your Green Card is the best proof of your immigration status.
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An American passport is the most importantly document you can present if you have it, a photocopy may suffice .
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Driver’s License with Real ID
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In many states, a driver’s license with Real ID is a valid form of federal identification. It’ is recommended to geyt a Real ID if you’re able.
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If you have one, always carry it with you.
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Paper Copy of your Work Permit or Employment Authorization
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If you have a valid work permit, it is crucial to carry a copy or photo to demonstrate your legal right to work in the U.S.
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Paper Copy of any document stating that you are not eligible for deportation
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If you have legal protection against deportation (such as a pending asylum case, an order of deportation suspension, or protection under TPS), carry it with you.
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Do not lie to ICE or present false documents: Giving false information or forged documents to immigration officers can lead to criminal charges, deportation, and future immigration bans.
Avoid carrying your foreign passport, Consular ID, DUI, etc.: Your foreign passport may indicate your nationality and immigration status, which could be used against you in certain situations.
Original Birth Certificate or Immigration Applications: These documents are valuable but should be stored safely rather than carried daily.
Original Social Security Card: Instead, carry a printed copy if necessary. Losing the original can lead to identity theft.
Expired or Invalid Visas/Documents: Carrying expired documents may create confusion and could lead to unnecessary complications in an interaction with immigration authorities.
Any Document with Sensitive Personal Information: Documents containing sensitive personal data, such as tax returns or bank statements, should be securely stored and not carried unless absolutely necessary.ICE can only arrest you if they believe you are in the U.S. without legal status or are deportable. You have the right to remain silent and not provide information that may lead to your detention, including your nationality or immigration status.
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If Stopped, Ask "Am I Free to Go?":
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If YES:
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Clearly state: “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.”
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Slowly walk away.
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If NO, ask: “Am I being detained?”:
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If NO:
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Clearly state: “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.”
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Slowly walk away.
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If YES:
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Say: “I would like to speak to an immigration attorney.”
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Clearly state: “I want to exercise my right to remain silent.”
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Your Rights:
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The 4th Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures.
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After and if they pad you down for weapons (safety search on you), If you feel the search is illegal, say: “I do not consent to this search.”
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Do not run, as this could give ICE a reason to stop you or use excessive force.
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Do not lie to ICE or present false documents, as this may lead to criminal or civil charges.
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Avoid carrying your foreign passport with you.
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Request translations of any documents. You may also request an interpreter if the officer does not speak your language.
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Record the incident.
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In addition to being prepared for possible contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at home or on the street, it is also essential to prepare for the possibility of ICE coming to your workplace.
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Preparing the Workplace:
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Educate coworkers about their rights, including the right to remain silent.
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Ensure everyone knows how to respond if ICE appears.
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Document all events following a raid in detail.
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Public Spaces: ICE agents can freely enter public areas of a workplace (e.g., a lobby or waiting area).
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Non-Public Spaces: ICE cannot enter non-public areas (e.g., a kitchen) without:
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Voluntary consent from the employer.
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A valid warrant signed by a Judge.
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Employers can deny ICE entry without a valid warrant, and unauthorized entry can be challenged in court.
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Businesses are also allowed to refuse service to anyone; they can and should ask ICE to leave.
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Stay calm, do not run, and do not resist arrest.
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State, “I do not consent to a search,” and encourage others to do the same.
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Remind everyone they have the right to remain silent. If possible, designate a citizen to handle ICE interactions—ask for a warrant, request they leave, and remind others of their rights.
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Do not voluntarily give ICE any identity documents, especially foreign passports.
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Document the events as soon as it is safe to do so. (Avoid providing false information or documents, as this may lead to criminal or civil charges.
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Request translations of any documents. You may also request an interpreter if the officer does not speak your language.
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Ask, “Am I free to go?”
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If NO: State, “I want to remain silent and want to speak with an immigration lawyer.”
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If YES: Walk away.
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Do not answer questions about birthplace, immigration status, or history.
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Do not sign anything ICE presents without consulting an immigration attorney.
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Use judgment, as refusal to share your name may raise suspicion.
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If you’re lawfully stopped by the POLICE, you have to present your ID. ICE does not have the same power. To ICE you may refuse to provide your name an exercise your right to remain silent.
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Assert your right to remain silent and request an immigration lawyer.
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If threatened with force, comply with what feels safe but do not argue, touch an agent, or interfere with a search.
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Employers must verify work authorization within three business days of hiring.
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They may request re-verification in specific situations (e.g., expiring documents or audits).
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Selective re-verification may violate anti-discrimination laws.
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Do not provide false documents (e.g., fake ID or social security number).
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Employers cannot retaliate against employees exercising legal rights by reporting them to ICE.
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Educate coworkers about their rights, including the right to remain silent.
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Make sure everyone knows how to respond if ICE appears.
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Document all events following a raid in detail (refer to the " Know Your Rights When Recording section).
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Create a work safety plan to prepare if ICE comes to the workplace, and practice this like a fire drill with staff.
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Clearly label workplace areas as public or non-public.
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If you are detained while driving, it's usually by police, not ICE. In border states, you might face Border Patrol checkpoints. A ticket from the police is preferable to visiting a precinct, as the latter may lead to an ICE referral. While guidelines are provided, prioritize your safety and comfort.
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If Pulled Over by the Police:
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Stop your vehicle, turn on emergency lights, lower your window slowly, and keep your hands on the steering wheel.
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Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance upon request.
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Do not present false documents if you don’t have a driver’s license.
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Avoid answering questions about your immigration status or country of origin.
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Exercise your right to remain silent by stating: “I want to exercise my right to remain silent,” and “I want to speak with a lawyer.”
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Police may trick you by saying, “You don't mind me searching your vehicle, do you?” You can respond by stating “I do not consent to this search”.
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Police cannot search you without probable cause or a proper warrant.
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If asked for permission to search your vehicle, you can refuse by saying: “I do not consent to any search.”
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If you feel the search is illegal, say: “I do not consent to this search.”
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Border Patrol can stop you if they have reasonable suspicion of an immigration violation or crime.
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They may ask about your immigration status, but cannot force you to answer or sign anything.
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Race or ethnicity cannot be used as a reason for the stop; if you suspect this, document the encounter
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Border Patrol checkpoints can operate within 100 miles of the U.S. borders. Still, the Trump Administration has authorized many other agencies to assist with immigration enforcement activities, so enforcement can happen outside that 100-mile restriction.
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The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable search, seizure, and arrest without probable cause, requiring police or ICE agents to have judicial warrants or consent to enter homes. Judicial warrants include arrest warrants for specific individuals or search warrants to search residences. Search warrants must detail exactly what can be searched (e.g., if looking for a car, they can’t search drawers).
WARNING: ICE rarely obtains valid judicial warrants. They may present documents labeled "warrants" that are not judicial warrants. Know the difference to be prepared!
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Administrative Warrant:
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ICE entry is prohibited.
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Authorized by an ICE supervisor, NOT a judge.
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Might include “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” at the top.
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Judicial Warrant
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Allows ICE to enter the home
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Signed by a Judge
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Will have the name of the federal court at the top: Federal District Court of Nevada.
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Everyone has the right to film immigration enforcement in public, regardless of citizenship status, provided they do not interfere. Follow directives such as "step back."
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Stay Safe:
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Stay calm and quiet, mention you are exercising your First Amendment right, and clearly indicate you are recording, and avoid sudden movements.
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Secure your phone with a six-digit passcode instead of using Face ID or fingerprint recognition.
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What should I film?
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State the date and time.
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Concentrate on the agents rather than civilians.
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Capture specifics such as badges, uniforms, license plates, weapons, warrants, property damage, and agents' statements, along with contextual elements like street signs, landmarks, and buildings.
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Record and note the type of vehicle involved to ensure which agency is engaged.
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What are my next steps?
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Hold off on sharing immediately.
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Avoid editing the footage.
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Create duplicates.
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Consult a reliable journalist, lawyer, or advocacy organization to develop a strategy.
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