When ICE is Watching: Know Your Rights

Do you check in with ICE and/or ISAP/BI? Learn about risks for arrest and detention and how to reduce them through knowledge and planning ahead. We hope this document gives you as much information as possible so you can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your family. Remember that the safest community is a community that is educated and organized. You are not alone!

Organization Source:
Community Justice Exchange 

Categories:
Interaction with law enforcement (LEA) | LEA – ICE Check-In

 Date Last Updated: January 23, 2025 

Core Recommendations

  • Never show up for a check-in alone; always bring someone (example: someone with US citizenship status) who is not at risk of being arrested by ICE.
  • Know the exact status of your immigration case because that can have a significant impact on your level of risk.  You can call this toll-free number to learn some basic information about your case: (800-898-7180). Please note that the information provided is not always reliable! (Common examples of case status leading to increased risk include: you have deportation order and no more appeals left; you have a stay of removal that is about to expire; your case was closed but you still check-in with ICE?) 
  • Contact a local community organization for support with safety planning and support with check-ins. Some organizations will offer to go with you to a check-in. Let the organization know about your appointment as soon as possible, as this increases the likelihood they will be able to help. You can find leads for such organizations through this directory
  • Discuss potential risks and protective actions with an attorney before checking in with ICE and/or BI. Ask them to help you exit the program (de-escalate) or reduce your participation with these programs. If you don’t have an attorney, you can use this directory to try to find free legal representation.
  • If you sense that you are in trouble, trust your gut. Call your support team or a trusted organization that can be ready to assist you

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