With that in mind we are sickened with the actions being perpetrated by the Trump administration and ICE. No one should ever be forced to live in fear of being abducted by ICE and sent to a detention camp where they are subjected to horrible conditions and the possibility of not making it out alive.
Below you will find information about your rights with ICE, which I have taken from the National Immigrant Justice Center:
All individuals in the United States have rights, regardless of immigration status.
The following information can help you protect yourself and your family, and defend your rights.
1. Create a safety plan
1. Create a safety plan
Identify your emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers.
Provide your child’s school or day care with an emergency contact to pick up your child.
Provide authorization in writing for your emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.
Tell your loved ones that if you are detained by ICE, they can try to use ICE’s online detainee locator to find you: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
Read more about guardianship considerations.
What is a guardian?
A guardian is an adult who is not a child’s parent who is legally allowed to care for the child the way a parent would. A guardian is required to make sure the child gets medical care, goes to school, and is fed, housed, and clothed. A guardian may usually act as a parent until the child is 18 years of age.
Should I appoint a guardian for my children if I fear immigration detention or deportation?
You should think about who will care for your children if you are detained or deported. This is an essential part of safety planning. However, not everyone will need a court-appointed legal guardian. You should be aware that a guardianship will give the guardian the right to make decisions concerning your children, including whether to allow your children to see you. It may be difficult to terminate a guardianship if you change your mind. You should consult with an attorney before seeking a guardianship.
What is a Power of Attorney?
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney document is a written document that grants a designated person (your “Agent”) authority to act on behalf of the person giving the POA in some matters. The authority of the Agent may be broad or limited and may allow decisions regarding finances, medical treatment, and/or property. A POA is not a standardized, “one size fits all” form. POAs are not guardianships and an Agent who has authority under a POA is usually not authorized to care for or make decisions on behalf of one’s children.
Should I establish a power of attorney if I fear immigration detention or deportation?
Not everyone needs a POA. Each person should consider whether a POA is right for them based on their individual circumstances. A POA may be useful because it can be used to allow a trusted friend or family member to access your bank account. If you do not have a bank account in the United States or other substantial financial assets, there may not be a compelling reason to complete a POA. Many banks allow customers to manage their accounts from outside the United States, so if someone is deported, they will generally be able to access their resources from abroad.
If an officer knocks on your door: Do not open the door. Teach your children not to open the door. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” are not signed by judges; they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and they do not grant authority to enter a home without consent of the occupant(s).
If an officer knocks on your door: Do not open the door. Teach your children not to open the door. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” are not signed by judges; they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and they do not grant authority to enter a home without consent of the occupant(s).
If you are outdoors and think you see immigration officers nearby:
Move to a safe indoor space
If you are a U.S. citizen and feel safe to do so, record the activity with your phone or write down any relevant information about what you witness—ALWAYS being careful to not interfere or otherwise obstruct the operation
DO NOT:
Post unverified information on social media
Interfere with the investigation or otherwise put yourself in harm’s way
If you need support:
If you need support:
24-Hour Emergency Support: Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693). For additional resources, visit: https://www.icirr.org/community-resources
NIJC legal services for Illinois and Indiana: Chicago residents are eligible for free legal services from NIJC through the City of Chicago Legal Protection Fund. Immigrants in Illinois and Indiana can obtain free or low-cost legal consultations and representation from NIJC.
Websites with more information:
https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights
Websites with more information:
https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights