What to Do If ICE Agents Raid Your House?

According to numbers from American authorities, 680 immigrants were detained in the last five days.

By SanDiegoRed Colaborador2017-02-14T21:20:00+00:00

A lot has been said about supposed new "raids" against immigrants which has been implemented by the government of Donald Trump in recent days although according to authorities they do not exist and are only giving continuity "on a regular basis" to the existing ones of past administrations.

But immigrant activists in the United States have said that Immigration Agents have intensified their activities in public spaces or directly into the homes of immigrants, causing panic about the immigration status in the country to thousands of people living illegally in the United States.

In response, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly said that in the last five days, when the raids were reportedly intensified, a total of 680 immigrants were arrested, of whom 75% had a criminal record.

As a precaution, several immigrant rights groups have published advice for those unaware that they have rights like all residents of the United States, on how to react to a possible raid of immigration agents.

The first advice is to "stay calm" and do not fall into provocations by Immigration Agents.

One of the most worrisome questions that have arisen these days is whether agents can break into your home to detain you. The answer is no, authorities can't enter your home unless the person allows it or there is a court order. Notwithstanding, if it is in a workplace and the person in charge gives the authorization, Agents can enter.

A conversation can be held from the doors of the homes with the ICE Agents to address the reason of their presence; but if they want to enter they will need an order signed by a judge which can be delivered under the door.

If it reaches your hands you have to ensure that it is signed by a judge, in the order it must be the name of the person in question.

If you have this order and you are detained; it is recommended not to put resistance, use your right to remain silent and immediately request an attorney.

Likewise, you should not lie, nor justify your stay with any falsified document.

And a point of utmost importance, you are ask "not to sign any document" where you can lose your rights without first talking to your lawyer.

If you want to know more about this topic you can visit the page of the ACLU where the most detailed information on what to do if you are being detained by immigration agents is published.