Encounters with the police are inevitable, whether you are driving, walking down the street or participating in a rally. Authority figures, whether they be the police of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), will inquire about your status and try to coerce you into admitting you are undocumented. If you know your rights, you will be able to safely answer questions they may ask, invoke your constitutional rights and get yourself out of trouble. Below are resources and tips on how to be handle the situation, things you should and shouldn’t say and what you should and shouldn’t have on your person at all times.
* Never carry your Matricula (I.D. issued by your country of origin) on you
* Have your school I.D. on you at times, this will make the officers less suspicious of you
* If an officer inquires about your immigration status, tell them you don’t feel comfortable answering that question.
* Cooperate with them at all times and never give them false information or any kind of documents.
* Remember that you have the right to remain silent and don’t have to answer their questions
Aside from the few tips provided above, there are orgonizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, that provide printable and compact know your rights fact cards. The ACLU has numerous resources available on their web site, so be sure to check them out.
The National Immigration Law Center is also another great resource on understanding your rights and how to interacting with police and ICE. Check out the different guides and resources they have made available for everyone to use.