KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The current administration has made it clear, their policies are anti-immigrant regardless of whether that is documented or undocumented. This mindset has facilitated the questionable approach of enforcement agencies, such as ICE. It has also validated, and encouraged, anti-immigrant hate speech in our own communities.
MIRA strongly believes that it is right and good for our country to provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, and it is many of these undocumented DACA recipients that are being targeted unfairly by ICE. It is therefore crucial that people know that the US Constitution provides certain rights for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
Know Your Rights information is intended for immigrants and their families, but we would suggest if you support immigrants in any way that you understand their rights and share this information with them.
Important! This guide is general information. It is not legal advice. It is not tailored to your situation.
Talk to an immigration lawyer for advice in your case.
What is a “raid”?
A “raid” generally refers to a more large-scale immigration enforcement action, such as when ICE officers go to a workplace–or other space where many people happen to be–with the intention of apprehending anyone who is deportable. Some advocates try to avoid using the word “raid,” as it can create widespread, and often unwarranted, panic. In contrast, when ICE agents go to a person’s home, they are often looking for just one or two specific people. ICE refers to this practice as “targeted enforcement action.” Even so, ICE will often arrest other people in the home or bystanders they encounter, who are not one of their “targets.” This is referred to as “collateral arrests.”
