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ICE Raids: Know Your Rights and How to Stand Up for Our Communities
Over the past few days, ICE raids have taken place in Los Angeles and, more recently, right here in San Francisco. Many of us are understandably worried: Who is at risk?
If you have a deportation order, if you are out of status, if you missed court, or if your asylum claim was denied, you are at higher risk during these raids. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stay Calm and Respectful: First and foremost, remain calm and respectful. Know your rights and exercise them politely.
- You Have the Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, your immigration status, or how you entered the U.S. If you choose to answer, never provide fake documents. If you have valid status, carry those documents with you.
- If ICE Shows Up at Work or at Home: If you are an employer or if ICE shows up at your door, ask to see a search warrant signed by a judge. You do not have to open the door unless they present a valid judicial warrant.
- Do Not Sign Anything: ICE may try to get you to sign forms, such as a voluntary departure. Do not sign anything until you have spoken to a lawyer.
- You May Be Eligible for Bond: Ask your loved ones to get in touch with a lawyer immediately. You may be eligible for a bond and should fight your case in court.
U.S. CITIZENS: WHAT CAN YOU DO?
What’s happening is heartbreaking. Families are being separated—sometimes violently—right in front of their homes or workplaces. This is not about politics; it’s about people. We don’t have to agree on immigration policy to see each other’s humanity.
First, be empathetic. You don’t have to be an immigration lawyer like us or activist to care when a father is taken from his children, leaving them struggling to survive. Basic compassion matters.
Join or organize peaceful protests. These demonstrations show that we are paying attention, we care, and we won’t stay silent. Remember: breaking windows or attacking officers undermines the cause.
Document ICE activity from a safe distance. If you see an ICE encounter, you can record it from a safe distance. Calmly say you are a citizen recording for the safety of everyone. Do not interfere.
Support local sanctuaries. Donate your time or money to community centers, churches, mosques, and other places providing sanctuary.
Use your voice and your privilege. Contact your local representatives. Demand oversight of ICE. Hold them accountable to ensure that people’s rights and dignity are respected.
In moments like these, silence is complicity. Let’s speak up, stand together, and insist on accountability and dignity for all.
Contact Hafey & Karim For Help from a San Francisco Bay Area Immigration Lawyer
If you or someone you love is facing uncertainty due to an ICE raid or immigration status issue, do not wait to seek help. Contact Hafey & Karim today at 214-506-0671 for compassionate, experienced support from a San Francisco immigration attorney. Your rights and your future matter.
Our firm provides representation for people throughout the United States. From our Concord office, we serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland, San Rafael, San Pablo, Richmond, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont, San Bruno, San Mateo, Palo Alto, San Jose, Mountain View, Milpitas, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Campbell. From our Dallas office, we serve clients in Plano, Frisco, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Richardson, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Euless, Bedford, Grapevine, Coppell, and Fort Worth.
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