As Salaamu Alaikum,
CAIR-SFBA is advising community members, particularly those who may be targeted in the Trump administration’s threatened U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and U.S. citizens who may be in a position to protect their brothers and sisters, to know their rights.
Our colleagues at CAIR-LA compiled the recommendations included below.
- If you are approached by a law enforcement officer, ask for the officer’s identification. While in certain circumstances, you are required to identify yourself to police officers, you are not required to identify yourself to immigration agents absent a warrant.
- You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
- Never falsify claims to U.S. citizenship.
- Don’t say anything about where you were born or how you entered the U.S.
- Tell the agent that you wish to remain silent.
- You have the right to refuse signing any papers without first speaking to a lawyer.
- You should never sign any document without fully reading and understanding the consequences. Some documents waive your rights and allow immigration officers to deport your before you see a lawyer or judge.
- If you are a non-citizen and have valid U.S. immigration status, the law requires you to carry your immigration documents (e.g. green card or work permit) with you at all times.
- If you have valid U.S. immigration documents, and an agent asks you for them, it is generally recommended that you produce them.
- Keep a copy of all U.S. and foreign government-issued documents in a safe place and make sure a family member or friend can get them if necessary. Apply for a replacement immediately if any of your documents are expired or lost.
- Never show a law enforcement officer, from any agency, fake immigration documents or lie about your citizenship.
- Do not carry papers from another country (e.g. foreign passport or birth certificate) with you.
- If an immigration agent comes to your door, do not open your door unless the agent provides a signed warrant.
- Ask the agent to hold the warrant against a window or slide it under the door.
- You are only required to let them in to your home if the warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge. An administrative warrant from immigration authorities is not the same.
- The warrant must have your correct name and address on it.
Our immigration advocacy partners have provided the following guidance, particularly for individuals who may not be impacted, but are U.S. citizens and able to help in case of an ICE raid.
- If you see what you believe is ICE activity or even a raid, do not post about it on social media. Instead, report it to your local rapid response network immediately for vetting and verification. Spreading unverified activity will only spread unnecessary fear among already worried individuals and families.
- Alameda County: 510.241.4011
- Contra Costa County: 925.900.5151
- Marin County: 415.200.1548
- Sonoma, Napa, & Solano Counties: 707.800.4544
- San Francisco: 415.200.1548
- San Mateo County: 203.666.4472
- Santa Clara County: 408.290.1144
- You have a right to record ICE activity. If you choose to do so, as we recommend you do, “record badge numbers, license plates, and everything that happened in the incident by writing it down and video taping. As much as possible, try to learn and document what role ICE officers and local law enforcement played during the activity.”
- If the agents or officers warn you and “asks you to step back while videoing/photographing, it is best to follow directions, as they may confiscate your camera.”
For additional information on how U.S. citizens can be helpful and supportive, please visit We Are Here to Stay.
If you have questions about your immigration status or would like to speak to an immigration attorney, you can always reach the CAIR-SFBA legal staff through our website or by calling 408.986.9874.
While we pray that Allah (swt) protects us and our communities, it is important that we know and assert our rights. Please share this information with anyone among your family, friends, and social media networks who may be impacted or have concerns.
Sincerely,
Zahra Billoo, Esq.
Executive Director