In light of the recent ICE operations in the Atlanta area, Antonini & Cohen offer some helpful tips
If ICE comes to the door:
DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR unless ICE has a valid warrant. Ask if they have a warrant and to slide the warrant under the door. The warrant must be signed by a judge. Do not run. Call your attorney if you have one. If the warrant is valid, open the door, exit and close the door behind you to protect the other house residents. Do not resist arrest.
DO NOT SIGN any documents that you do not understand. Insist that you will fight your case, will have a lawyer and wish to see a Judge. Do not agree to self-deport.
DO NOT SPEAK or say anything except your name, if you have immigration documents, if you have a case pending or an immigration attorney representing you. Do Not lie. Be respectful.
TAKE INFORMATION regarding the event, name of officer, badge number. Video tape or record the incident if you can.
BE PREPARED!
Write down, for yourself and your family, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of:
Your employers so that your family can contact them to advise them of your absence and receive unpaid wages.
Someone who can care for your children if you’re detained. Make sure that person knows where your children go to school; that the school has that person’s name and number; and that you’ve signed a form authorizing the school to release your children to that person.
Bill, accounts, property including payment information, balances and access numbers.
Your immigration attorney, if you have one; or an attorney with whom you’ve consulted. There is great value to consulting an attorney and understanding your situation, the options available, the documents you would need so that the attorney is prepared to act as soon as you are arrested.
Tell your relatives where the documents are:
Your passport, which should be valid at all times
Other identity documents such as birth, marriage and divorce certificates.
Evidence of your life in the USA such as the birth certificate of your children, your taxes, titles to property, medical records.
Evidence of any prior encounter with the law such as arrest records and prior contacts with immigration authorities.
The best defense is a plan. Consult with an attorney before you get arrested!
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