You are part of our community, and please know that we are always here for you. Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws; we want to help you be prepared to assert those rights during any encounter with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or law enforcement.

Compiled below is a list of rights you have, resources you can access, and general guidelines for protecting yourself or a loved one during an ICE interaction.  

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is offering Red Cards to help individuals with the language to use to assert their rights.
Click here to download and print your own Red Card.

Red Card wordage includes the following: 

  • Do not open the door if an immigrant agent is knocking. 
  • Do not answer questions from an immigrant agent. 
  • Do not sign anything without speaking first to a lawyer. 
  • Ask to see a warrant signed by a judge. 
  • Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. 
  • Ask to speak to a lawyer before signing any documents or answering any questions. 
  • Record details and names. 
  • Do not lie if you should end up speaking. 

You can access the Immigrant Defense Project’s Know Your Rights webpage in multiple languages here.

CUNY Office of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs. The page has resources for both students and employees: https://www.cuny.edu/current-students/student-affairs/cuny-immigrant-student-success/

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its primary responsibilities include enforcing immigration laws, and investigating cross-border criminal activities. 

Key functions: 

Enforcing Immigration Laws 

  • Conducts arrests, detentions, and deportations 
  • Operates detention facilities for individuals awaiting deportation or resolution of their immigration cases

Investigating Cross-Border Crimes 

  • Focuses on crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and counterfeit goods 
  • Partners with other federal and international agencies to address global criminal activities 
  • ICE is often associated with its immigration enforcement role, including raids and detentions, which can impact communities and families. Knowing your rights when interacting with ICE is crucial. 
  • ICE officers DO NOT need a judicial warrant or an administrative warrant to speak to you in public. 
  • If an ICE officer approaches you in public, first ask, “Am I free to go?” BEFORE giving them any of your personal information. 
  • If they say no, you can say, “I want to use my right not to answer any of your questions.” This may not stop them from trying to detain you, but you are putting your right to remain silent to good use. 

1. If ICE is at your door, do not open your door – not even slightly. 
Without opening the door, ask for a warrant to be slipped underneath the door. 

If they do have a judicial warrant, you nor anyone in the house needs to speak. Clearly state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
 

2. If ICE is inside your home:
If they enter your home without your permission, you can tell them, “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.” Saying this may not stop them but may be beneficial for a future case. 

If ICE starts searching your belongings or rooms you can tell them, “I do not consent to your search.” 
You can also clearly state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
It is legal in most states to document ICE making arrests – Film openly not secretly.

Additional Information can be found here on the Immigrant Defense Project 

ICE can enter any public space at your workplace without a warrant. 

Public spaces can include: 

  • Office lobby 
  • Supermarket 
  • Retail store 
  • Dining area of a restaurant 

ICE cannot legally enter the private spaces of a workplace unless they have a judicial warrant or the permission of the employer. Private spaces can include employee-only areas such as a break room or storage room. 

Employers can ask ICE to show their identification and/or warrant.  If you are approached, you DO NOT have to answer their questions. DO NOT run away as ICE will suspect you and attempt to arrest you 

Employer guide for when ICE shows up can be found here 

ICE Reps Prohibited on Campus Without Judicial Warrant or Court Order
It has long been and continues to be CUNY policy not to allow immigration enforcement officials to enter its campuses except to the extent required by law. 

When an ICE representative seeks access to the BCC campus, that person will not be allowed on campus unless they have presented their credentials, stated their reason for coming to the campus, and presented a judicial warrant or court order. Upon presentation of such documentation, campus safety will contact the college’s Counsel, who will review the documentation presented. Access to the campus will only be provided consistent with the terms of the warrant or court order. The ICE representative(s) will be escorted by the college’s Counsel and by a campus security officer to ensure that the ICE representative only engages in actions consistent with the warrant/court order.

1. Protected if you are detained: 

  • Power of Attorney – Designate a trusted individual to make decisions for your children, finances, and other critical matters. 
  • Emergency Contacts – Share contact details of attorneys, advocates, and family members with your loved ones. 
  • Secure Important Documents – Keep copies of passports, immigration paperwork, and medical records in a safe place accessible to your family. 
  • Child Care Plans – Make arrangements for your children, including school authorizations and medical care. 

2. Tools and Resources: 

  • Notifica App – Instantly notify your emergency contacts if detained by immigration authorities here  
  • Family Preparedness Plan Guide – Download and complete a Family Preparedness Plan
  • Know Your Rights – Access guides about your rights here 

What to do if detained: 

  1. Locate Your Loved Ones – Use ICE’s Detention Facility Locator to find loved ones  
  2. Seek Legal Help – The Immigrant Defense Project is an organization that can assist  

 The New York State New American Hotline: 

This hotline is available to anyone impacted by ICE raids. You can call Monday through Friday 9am to 8pm. These calls are confidential and anonymous and will remain as such. This hotline has no affiliation with US Citizen and immigration service. No legal advice is offered.  

New York State Only – 1-800-566-7636
Outside of New York State – 1-212-419-3737 

Additional resources about:
ICE raids can be found here 
ICE FAQ Detainer can be found here  

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