KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

    Every individual in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has certain constitutional rights:

      Right to Remain Silent: You are not obligated to answer questions about your immigration status.

 Right to an Attorney: You can request to speak with a lawyer.

 Do Not Sign Documents You Do Not Understand: Never sign any paperwork without fully understanding its content.

    Who can be arrested by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?

 ICE focuses on the following people:

• • Anyone without legal immigration status.

  • People with certain criminal convictions, even if they have a green card or a valid visa.

Important: Even if you have lived in the U.S. for a long time or have only minor convictions, ICE can still arrest you.

    Most important things to remember:

• Do not sign anything that you don't understand fully.

• Do not lie or show fake documents.

• You have the right to stay silent or say, “I don’t want to answer questions. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

• You do not have to open the door or let ICE in your home unless there is a warrant signed by a judge.

• You do not have to sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.

• Having a plan with your family can help reduce stress and protect everyone.

WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW TO LEARN WHAT STEPS TO TAKE AND HOW TO STAY PREPARED. 

ICE WARRANT VS. JURIDICIAL WARRANT

HOW TO FIND A DETAINEE

    Use the Online Detainee Locator System

Visit the ICE Detainee Locator website at: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/.

You will need:

• • The person’s Full Name and Date of Birth
    OR

  • Their A Number (Alien Registration Number)

     Allow a few days for updates

• If the person was recently detained, their information might not appear right away.

• It can take a few days for ICE to add their information into the system.

     If they do not appear in the system

• Call local detention centers in the area where they were detained.

• Ask if the person is in their custody or if they have any information.

Please Note: The Detainee Locator System only works for people who are over 18 years old and in ICE detention. If you still cannot find information, contact a trusted lawyer or an immigrant rights organization for help.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

   Documents to Prepare

    Gather and make digital copies of important papers. Store them with a trusted friend or family member. These papers can help get you out of immigration detention sooner and protect your family.

    Here are the papers to include:

    Personal Identification:

• • Passport or other photo ID

    Proof of Strong Ties to Your Community:

• • Letters from family, friends, or community members

  • Proof of stable housing (like a lease or mortgage)

  • Job letters, pay stubs, school enrollment papers

Criminal History (if any):

• • Court documents for any arrests or convictions (certified if possible)

  • Police reports

Immigration History:

• • Copies of all immigration applications, court notices, and letters from USCIS

  • If you are seeking asylum or a green card, include proof that your case is pending

Proof of Good Moral Character:

• • Letters of support from community groups, workplaces, or schools

  • Community service records

  • Certificates of achievement

Financial Documents (for Bond):

• • Bank statements or pay stubs from the person who would pay your bond

To Avoid Expedited Removal:

• • Proof you have lived in the U.S. for at least two years, such as leases, pay stubs, bank statements, etc.

   Childcare and Financial Preparedness

      Childcare:

• Pick a trusted person who can care for your children if you are detained.

• Fill out a power of attorney form or other legal document that says this person can make decisions for your children.

 Financial Access:

• Talk with someone you trust about paying your bills if you are not able to.

• Share important details like passwords, bank information, and rent or mortgage details—only with someone you fully trust.

   Emergency Contact Sheet

    Make a list of people and groups who should be called if you are arrested or detained by ICE. Keep a copy in your wallet and give one to a trusted friend.

1. Attorney

   • Name, phone number, and address of your lawyer or legal aid group.

2. Family and Friends

   • Names and phone numbers of close relatives or friends who can help you and your children.

3. Local Organizations and Hotlines

   • Names and numbers of immigrant support groups, hotlines, or community centers that can offer help right away.

Los Angeles Local Rapid Response Contact

• Boyle Heights Immigrant Rights Network, (323) 805-1049

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, (888) 624-4752

• Promesa Boyle Heights, (323) 922-5644

• ORALE (Long Beach), (562) 276-0267

• Long Beach Community Defense Network, (562) 245-9575

• Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, (909) 361-4588

• Southern California Bilingual Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline, (213) 833-8283

• U.S. Africa Institute, (310) 951-7721

If ICE approaches you in PUBLIC

• • Stay calm. Do not run or resist.

  • Ask, “Am I free to go?”

  • If they say yes, walk away calmly.

  • If they say no, you have the right to remain silent. Say, “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

  • Do not lie or show fake documents.

  • Do not talk about where you were born or your immigration status. Anything you say can be used against you.

 If ICE comes to your HOME

        Do not open the door unless they show a warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door so you can see it.

• • ICE warrants, or administrative removal warrants, are real, but they are not the same as criminal warrants. ICE officers issue these warrants themselves, without a judge's review. 

  • ICE officers issue these warrants, which are not signed by a judge. They do not give ICE agents the right to enter private spaces.

  • These warrants are issued by a judge and give ICE officers the right to enter private spaces.

          Consent:

• • • If ICE does not have your consent or a judicial warrant, they cannot enter your home.

    • This also includes areas immediately outside a home, such as doorstep, garage, fenced yard, etc.

    • ICE often uses tricks, lies, and/or intimidation to get consent.

    • Train your family to NOT open the door to anyone that they don't know.

    • Consent can be given from anyone in your residence.

    • If ICE enters anyway, say, “I do not consent to this.” Do not physically stop them. This could be used against you later.

    • If there is no judge-signed warrant, you do not have to let them in. Say politely:

    • “I do not want to talk” or “I do not consent to you coming inside.”

    • If they are looking for someone else, you do not have to tell them where that person is. Simply say, “I do not want to answer any questions.”

LEGAL RESOURCES & ATTORNEY REFERRALS 

  Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid

   Find trusted organizations offering free or discounted legal services:

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Visit Website

• National Immigration Project: Visit Website

• Immigo - https://www.instagram.com/immigorg/

• Welcome to America - https://www.welcometoamericaservices.com/

• Refugee Children Center - https://www.refugeechildrencenter.org/

• State-Specific Resources: Click to Find Resources Near You

  Attorney Directory

  Learn how to choose a reputable immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Visit AILA

  Here are some trusted attorneys that we have worked with and recommend: 

• Law Office of Andrew Park

  • 3700 Wilshire Blvd #260, Los Angeles, CA 90010

  • (213) 344-8440

• Law Offices of Joaquin A Talleda

  • 1015 N Lake Ave # 209 # 209, Pasadena, CA 91104

  • (626) 296-4100

• J&K Law

  • 30 Broad Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004

  • 212-390-1024

• The Law Office of B. Kanu, LLC

  • 1100 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

  • (404) 239-3016

• The Law Offices of Carlos Cruz & Associates

  • 324 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA, 92821

  • (714) 255-1717

NATIONAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

1. American Immigration Council

   • Description: Advocates for immigrants' rights through legal action, policy analysis, and education.

   • Website: American Immigration Council

2. National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

   • Description: Dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.

   • Website: NILC

3. United We Dream

   • Description: The largest immigrant youth-led organization in the U.S., offering support and advocacy for undocumented immigrants.

   • Website: United We Dream

4. Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

   • Description: Provides legal training, educational materials, and advocacy to advance immigrant rights.

   • Website: ILRC

5. Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES)

   • Description: Offers free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.

   • Website: RAICES

COMMUNITY & SUPPORT GROUPS

Connect with organizations and communities that provide support and assistance:

• United We Dream: Advocacy and education for immigrants. Visit Website

• Local Networks: Find Groups Near You

TRACK WHERE ICE HAS BEEN SPOTTED

Stay informed about the latest changes in immigration policy, including travel advisories and enforcement priorities.

• Use the following websites or apps to read reports on where ICE has been spotted: 

  1. JuntosSeguros.com is a website you can use to track and report ICE sightings in real time. It’s perfectly legal — just a tool used to report public sightings.

  2. Padlet App collects tips on ICE sightings.

  3. Ten Cuidado is another app that collects tips on where ICE has been spotted. 

IMMIGRATION POLICY UPDATES

Stay informed about the latest changes in immigration policy, including travel advisories and enforcement priorities.

• Immigration Policy Tracking Project: The Immigration Policy Tracking Project keeps track of every immigration-related update from the Trump administration, whether it was his first policy or his new administration.

• ILRC (Immigrant Legal Resource Center): The ILRC is a national nonprofit resource center that provides legal trainings, educational materials, and advocacy to advance immigrant rights.

• CLASP (Center for Law and Social Policy): A website with a plethora of immigration raid resources including rights, mental health support, preparation and response, & more.

• Newsletter Signup: Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive critical updates directly to your inbox!

• Foronda Law TikTok provides daily updates, guides, resources, and more!

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES & GUIDES

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RED CARD

RESOURCES FOR DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDERS AND COMMUNITIES

ICE RAIDS: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (SPANISH & ENGLISH VERSIONS) 

RESOURCES FOR MEXICAN NATIONALS

   ConsulAPP

     The ConsulAPP is a new tool from the Mexican government to help Mexican nationals in the United States.

Emergency Button:

• • If you are detained, you can press a button on the app to alert your emergency contacts and Mexican consulate officials right away.

  • This button works only if you are inside the United States.

 Other Features:

• • Schedule appointments at the Mexican consulate for passport services or other help.

  • Find the closest Mexican consulate to you.

   Mexican Consulates

• The Mexican government has promised to help Mexican nationals who need support in the U.S.

At a consulate, you can find:

• Information and help with immigration forms and resources.

• Translation services and other support.

• Legal guidance or referrals to trustworthy lawyers.

• Find a full list of Mexican consulates in the U.S. here or by searching online for the Mexican consulate closest to your city.

GET INVOLVED AND ADVOCACY

   Help make a difference by supporting immigrant communities:

• Volunteer: Assist as a legal aide, interpreter, or community organizer.

• Donate: Contribute to nonprofits and legal defense funds.

• Advocacy: Join campaigns and sign petitions for immigrant rights.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

   Emergency Hotline: Text (323) 815-8715 for immediate assistance.

   Other hotlines for Immediate Assistance

1. USCIS Contact Center

   • Phone: 800-375-5283

   • Description: Provides information on immigration services and benefits.

   • Website: USCIS Contact Center

2. MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline

   • Phone: 800-354-0365

   • Description: Offers free, safe immigration legal support for New York City residents.

   • Website: MOIA Hotline

3. Avvo's Free DACA Hotline

   • Phone: 888-380-4056

   • Description: Provides legal assistance for DACA recipients.

   • Website: Avvo DACA Support

CONTACT US 

   Have questions or need more assistance?

• Emergency Hotline: Text (323) 815-8715

 Provide the following information:

• • • Full Name

    • A Number

    • Country of Birth

    • Date of Birth

    • Brief Description of the Situation

Feedback: Help us improve our resources.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and specific outcomes depend on individual circumstances. For personalized guidance, consult directly with a qualified attorney or legal aid organization. Do not apply for any benefits or programs unless you are certain of your eligibility.

 SELF-HELP GUIDELINES

SAMPLE GOOD MORAL CHARACTER LETTER 

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) REQUESTS

If you need to access your records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), here are the relevant links based on the agency:

1. FOIA Requests with USCIS
   Submit your request directly through this link:
   Request Records with USCIS

2. FOIA Requests with CBP
   For records with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), use the following link:
   Request Records with CBP

3. FOIA Requests with ICE
   For records maintained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), submit your request here:
   Request Records with ICE

Important Disclaimer

When submitting FOIA requests, be sure to block off your address and other sensitive personal information to ensure your safety and privacy throughout the process.