How to react if ICE arrives at your door
In a typical week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests about 3,000 immigrants. So, when the Trump administration announced plans to arrest 2,000 undocumented immigrants last week, it was clear that the plan was not about deportations — it’s about causing panic in immigrant communities.
Thus far, it seems President Trump picked up a big rock to throw at immigrants, only to drop it on his own feet. His announcement resulted in an unprecedented mobilization of lawyers and activists. Rapid response networks have formed throughout the country. To get legal help throughout New York State, call the Office of New Americans Hotline, (800) 5667636. In New York City, call 311 and ask for ActionNYC. In other states, find free or low-cost legal help at the website of the Immigration Advocates Network.
Other good news is that Know Your Rights campaigns are working. Immigrants are turning ICE agents away when they come knocking. Remember that you have the right to refuse to open the door if asked to by an ICE agent unless they have a warrant signed by a federal judge – they almost never do. If agents say they have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door. You have the right to remain silent. Do not
answer any questions without speaking to a lawyer. Refuse to sign any ICE document without first speaking to a lawyer.
Meanwhile, Trump’s attacks on immigrants have resulted in an increased interest in learning immigration law. Immigrant rights groups and immigration attorneys are hiring. Activists want to learn how to help their neighbors. The best place to learn immigration and citizenship law is the City University of New York’s School of Professional Studies’ online Advanced Immigration Law certificate program. Courses include Introduction to Immigration Law, and advanced courses in Naturalization and Citizenship, Proceedings in Immigration Court, and Business Immigration Law. If you successfully complete the introductory course and two of the four advanced courses, you earn a New York State Immigration Law Study Certificate. The only admission requirement is that you have a bachelor’s degree. Fall semester registration is open until July 25. For more information, go to sps.cuny.edu/immlaw.