Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Door
Sometimes officers can try to trick people to get them to open their doors or sign away their rights. If an officer detains you or you are concerned that they will conduct raids in your area, this is what you can do.
DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR
You do not need to open the door to talk with an officer. Once you open the door, it is much harder to refuse to answer questions, but remember that you always have the right to remain silent.
You Have the Right to Speak to a Lawyer
You can tell an officer, “I need to speak to my lawyer,” and refuse to say anything else. You may have your lawyer with you if ICE or other law enforcement questions you. This is especially important if the officers ask you to sign anything – do NOT sign any documents that you do not understand. It is always best to review them with a lawyer first.
Always Carry Any Valid Immigration Documents
For example, if you have a valid work permit or green card, be sure to have it with you to show it for identification purposes. Do not carry papers from another country, such as a foreign passport, because they could be used against you in the deportation process.
Let Officers Know About Your Family
Telling the officers about U.S. citizen or legalized family members can help your case. If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is under age 18, ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.
Create A Safety Plan
Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are arrested. If you take care of children or other people, make sure you have a plan to have them taken care of if you are detained for a while. It also helps to keep important documents like birth certificates and immigration documents in a safe place where family or friends can access them if necessary. It is also very important to make sure your loved ones know how to find you if you are detained by ICE. When you are given an “A #”, make sure you let your family member and/or attorney know this number so they can keep track of where you are and any court proceedings.
Elizabeth Francine Echavarria was born and raised on the Texas-Mexico border in Del Rio, Texas. She graduated from Del Rio High School in 1996. She completed her undergraduate career at the University of Texas at Austin and graduated in December 1999 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. After working for four years in the financial industry with Charles Schwab, she decided to pursue her law degree and enrolled in law school at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. During her time in law school, she worked with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid and the Bexar County Battered Women’s Shelter. Elizabeth graduated from St. Mary’s Law School in May 2007 with a Juris Doctorate and was licensed to practice in November that same year.
Elizabeth began her legal career as a prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office in 2008, where she worked until 2010. Since then, she has focused her practice on immigration law, primarily in the areas of legalization, citizenship, and work visas. During her career she has also been involved in pro-bono events to encourage and assist lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and licensed to practice in the United States District Court of the Western District of Texas. She has been a guest presenter for various events, including the Bexar County Paralegal’s Association and Boerne Bar Association to provide information on current issues and changes to immigration law in the United States. Elizabeth is a compassionate and dedicated attorney who loves her work helping the immigrant community and their families. See Profile Here
Also Elizabeth Francine Echavarria speaks fluent spanish
