Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights
Help for Constituents With Loved Ones Detained by ICE
If you have a loved one who is detained by ICE, our office can assist with concerns while in detention and we can highlight requests made through legal channels for release and other relief. However, we cannot legally represent our constituents. We continue to strongly recommend legal counsel for all detained individuals.
First, confirm your residency in the Congressman’s district. You can do so at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Second, we will need a release form signed by the detainee – this document is often secured through legal counsel or because the detainee themselves requests the document while in detention. It is ICE Form 60-001 and ICE reports is it available upon request. Our office has also worked with some success to obtain signatures through ICE or local jails. You can also find the release form here: https://carson.house.gov/help-from-andre/help-federal-agency
- NOTE: Although a release form is needed, the congressional office will still reach out to ICE with timely concerns of delayed medication or lack of legal access. While the agency will not report back to us any specifics, we feel it is important to not delay on raising these timely issues to the agency.
What to do when a loved one is detained. https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/what-do-if-you-or-loved-one-detained/
The local organizations below provide a variety of assistance and resources for individuals and families experiencing immigration legal, detention and/or deportation needs.
Coalition for Our Immigrant Neighbors
Congressman Carson’s list of local immigration legal providers
National Immigrant Justice Center
Know Your Rights
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Know your rights:
- You have the right to remain silent. You may refuse to speak to immigration officers. Don’t answer any questions. You may also say that you want to remain silent.
- Carry a know-your-rights card and show it if an immigration officer stops you. The card explains that you will remain silent and that you wish to speak with an attorney.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. You may have your lawyer with you if ICE or other law enforcement questions you.
- If you are worried ICE will arrest you, let the officer know if you have children. 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.
- Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have. Do not carry papers from another country with you, such as a foreign passport. Such papers could be used against you in the deportation process.
- Report and document raids and arrests. Document or record the encounter or raid details and involved officer names or numbers to share with attorney and advocacy organizations.
- Before you sign anything, talk to a lawyer. ICE may try to get you to sign away your right to see a lawyer or a judge. Be sure you understand what a document actually says before signing it.
Resources
Learn more from the ACLU.
Learn more about immigration resources here.
In other languages
Issues:Immigration