Miami is a battleground in the war on immigrants. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – known as “la Migra” in Spanish – has the region in its sights.
Immigrants and their families have rights under the U.S. Constitution. ICE does not want you to know this.
When ICE comes to your home
ICE agents appearing at your home creates stress. Protect yourself by:
- Not opening the door
- Telling agents that you want to see a search warrant. (An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. They can slide it under the door. It must contain your correct name, address and a judge’s signature. Tell agents that they cannot enter if any of the information is missing)
- Exercising your right to remain silent (Agents want information about your background, birthplace and arrival in the United States. Do not make any statements or provide any information)
- Not signing any documents unless you are certain you understand them
- Never lying to agents
When ICE comes to your workplace
ICE showing up at your workplace adds confusion to a tense situation. Other people may panic, creating chaos. Recommendations:
- Remain calm. You can try to leave by walking to an exit. If ICE agents stop you, ask if you are free to go. If they say no, do not leave.
- Again, you do not have to answer questions. Tell your questioner in a loud voice that you choose to remain silent.
- ICE agents may order people to split into groups based on immigration status. You do not have to move. Or, you can move to an area separate from the designated areas.
- You do not have to provide agents with documents stating your place of birth, but do not provide false documents.
When you need help
Friends and community organizations can provide help. Florida is home to many groups that specialize in protecting immigrants.
You may feel like an outsider, but you have rights. Exercise all of them.
