We’ve heard reports of ICE showing up at some of the #BlackLivesMatters protests.
Here is some key info on your rights, and also tips on how to be an effective ally to your immigrant friends and neighbors.
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You have the right to remain silent. If you are asked where you were born or how you entered the US, you may refuse to answer. If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud.
Allyship would look like EVERYONE AROUND YOU REMAINING SILENT TOO!!!
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You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from but do not lie about your immigration status or provide fake documents.
Allyship would look like others doing the SAME THING.
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You have the right to speak to a lawyer. Even if you do not have one, you may tell the officers that you want to speak to an attorney. Memorize the number of your local immigrant rights group ahead of time.
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You can refuse to sign anything until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer. NEVER sign something if you do not understand it. I wouldn’t recommend signing anything until you have spoken to a lawyer.
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If you are detained: do not resist. Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Do not say/sign anything or make decisions without an attorney. Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.
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If you have an immigration number (“A” number), make sure you know if and give it to your family ahead of time.
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FINALLY remember that everyone in the US – regardless of citizenship/immigration status – has rights. US citizens can use their privilege of immigration status to be great allies of immigrants in what could be a risky situation.
Be safe & stay strong. #BlackLivesMatter
Some additional resources:
ACLU in English: https://www.aclu.org/files/pdfs/immigrants/kyr_english.pdf
ACLU en Español: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/derechos-de-los-manifestantes/
AILA’s Think Immigration blog – written by one of my immigration lawyer colleagues Katie Sarreshteh https://thinkimmigration.org/blog/2017/08/2