by BEFORE AN IMMIGRATION ARREST – DEVELOP AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
- Keep all important documents in an accessible place. Make copies for a trusted family member or friend.
- Documents to keep: Passport, Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Car Titles, Property Deeds, Immigration Documents (including “A” number if applicable).
- Consult with a trusted immigration attorney to assess your situation.
- Keep the contact details of an attorney or legal service provider.
- Ensure your family also has access to these contact details.
- Have an emergency plan at work.
- Discuss with coworkers if they are willing to stay silent and request an attorney if immigration officials arrive.
- If your workplace has a union, consult with the union representative on how to handle such situations.
- Prepare a “Power of Attorney” form for childcare in case of detention or deportation.
- Obtain valid passports for your children.
- Register your child as a citizen of your home country at the consulate to avoid future complications.
DURING AN ARREST – WHAT TO DO
- If approached by police or immigration agents:
- Ask if you are being detained or arrested.
- If they say no, ask if you are free to leave; if yes, walk away calmly.
- If they say yes, invoke your right to remain silent.
- If you have valid documents, present them.
- If you do not have valid documents, do the following:
- Do not answer questions or show false documents.
- State: “I need to speak with my attorney.”
- Avoid discussing your place of origin or how you entered the country.
- Show the “Know Your Rights” card.
IF IMMIGRATION COMES TO YOUR HOME
- Do not open the door unless they show a valid warrant.
- Ask if they are police or immigration officers.
- If it is immigration, they cannot enter unless you permit them.
- Speak through the door; opening it slightly may be considered consent.
- If they have an arrest warrant but no search warrant, they cannot enter.
- If an officer enters:
- Record names and badge numbers.
- State that you do not consent to a search.
- Collect information from witnesses.
- Do not run—it is unsafe.
IF IMMIGRATION COMES TO YOUR WORKPLACE
- Stay calm. Do not run.
- Immigration officers need:
- A judge’s warrant or
- Employer permission to enter.
IF STOPPED IN PUBLIC
- Immigration officers must have:
- A warrant or
- Specific reasonable suspicion of unlawful presence.
- You have the right to remain silent:
- Do not discuss immigration status or nationality.
- If you have valid documents, present them.
AFTER AN ARREST – WHAT TO DO
- Identify who arrested you:
- Write down officers’ names, agency (FBI, ICE, CBP, etc.), badge numbers, and vehicle plates.
- Do not sign anything you do not understand.
- Officials may try to pressure you into signing away your right to see a judge.
- Use your right to call an attorney or family member.
- Memorize their contact details.
- Contact your consulate.
- Request assistance; consulates may help with legal representation and family contact.
- Request bond.
- Show that you are not a flight risk or danger to the community.
IMMIGRATION DETENTION RULES
- Local authorities cannot hold someone based on an ICE detainer for more than 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
- After 48 hours, detainees should be released.
- If a jail holds someone beyond that, it is illegal.
- Contact an attorney immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON BONDS:
- ICE can still detain individuals after they pay a local/state bond.
- Time spent in immigration custody does not count toward a criminal sentence.
- Consult an attorney before paying a bond.
YOUR RIGHTS WHILE IN DETENTION
You have the right:
- Not to sign any documents you do not understand.
- Not to discuss immigration status.
- To contact your consulate.
- To make a phone call (memorize key contacts).
- To request a bond hearing.
- To have an interpreter at hearings if you do not speak English.
This text provides key legal protections and preparation steps for individuals facing potential immigration enforcement actions. Let me know if you need any formatting or additional information!
Reference: Michigan Immigrants Rights Center