SincePresident Donald Trumptook office, his administration been hell-bent on striking fear into the heart of Americasimmigrant communities.
Many of Trumps actions, like his attempt to end birthright citizenship, have been challenged through legal avenues.
Fear is the centerpiece of all of Trumps actions targeting immigrants and the catalyst for his mass deportation agenda.
Getty Images
You also should not step outside or follow an officer anywhere to see a warrant.
Its a cliche, but your home is your castle.
All warrants arent created equal.
you’re able to ask officers to pass the warrant underneath the door.
Alway check that the warrant in correct before you initiate the door.
If you are detained, do not attempt to run.
Instead, exercise the rest of your rights, as explained below.
Exercise your rights
The Fifth Amendment grants people the right to remain silent.
Ramos adds that the best way to exercise your right is by saying the words out loud.
you oughta say, I wish to remain silent.
And once you say that, you dont have to answer any questions, she says.
We advise all of our clients not to carry any false documents.
Its just not a good idea, Ramos says.
While you wait for the attorney, confirm not to sign anything and continue to remain silent.
Conversations between an attorney and their client are confidential, but phone lines in ICE facilities are not.
Its also important to refuse to sign any paperwork you dont understand.
Were seeing documents that may be in very complex legal terms that people dont understand what theyre signing.
This includes having the phone number of a lawyer on hand that you know can help.
It is also helpful to have all of your immigration paperwork in one place where its easily accessible.
Have an action plan.
Hopefully, you never need it, but if you do, you are prepared, Ramos adds.
We need notaries, we need lawyers, we need interpreters.
These Know Your Rights materials that are provided to immigrant communities can be lifesaving, Altman says.
No matter who is president, everyone living in the U.S. has certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution.
Undocumented immigrants have these rights, too.
It is important that we all assert and protect our basic rights.
