Checks and searches: how to deal with an immigration agent.

We have already written about the raids, during which immigration agents tried to find those who illegally crossed the US border, and mentioned how to behave in such cases. However, this is not all — the experts have compiled an important memo that is better to have with you.

It is known that the president exaggerated the scale of the raids, which is why many went underground, and someone is forced to live in eternal fear. In the past few years, prior to Trump’s rise to power, immigration authorities also carried out raids — however, it is worth noting that:

• the focus was on immigrants with serious convictions;
• they were captured and soon deported — that is, no protracted hearings and a long stay in custody.

Now the actions of the immigration services sometimes go beyond all boundaries — and in these cases you need to know how to respond and where to turn for help.

What rights do you have during an officer’s visit?

• You may not open the door or let immigration agents into your home unless they show a search warrant.
• You have the right to refuse to be searched, but agents may use force if they have a reasonable suspicion that you are carrying a weapon.
• You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about status or anything else.
• You can use a lawyer. If you do not cooperate with any lawyer, the government will appoint one for you.
• Whatever you are presented with, you have the right not to sign anything without first agreeing with your lawyer.
• An arrest warrant allows officers to enter your home, but a deportation form does not. If they have only uniforms on hand, you can not let them in.

First of all, make sure they actually have an arrest warrant. You don’t have to open the door to do this — ask the immigration officers to push the document under it.

If you don’t have your own lawyer, the first step is to ask the government to provide you with a free legal aid professional.

When an officer approaches you, remain calm and keep both hands in plain sight — you can’t let him think that you are hiding a weapon behind your back. This assumption gives the officer the opportunity to act harder, and you can get hurt.

Do not under any circumstances deceive the immigration officers and do not give them fake documents — this will aggravate the situation.

If you are 18 years old or older, be sure to keep your personal documents with you — you will definitely need them.

Perhaps you came home from work and found that a family member had already let the immigration officers in. In such a case, you have the right to find out what they are doing in your home and request the identity of each agent.

Lawyers recommend that when arrested, do not resist or try to escape from the officer, even if you think that you are being arrested for no reason. It is much more correct to try to settle everything peacefully and calmly explain why the service makes a mistake.

What to do if you are already in custody

• If you or a family member is taken into custody, the first thing to do is to make sure you remember all the most important phone numbers and also take any necessary medicines with you.
• When trying to discuss your legal status, do not talk about it with anyone other than your lawyer.
• Remember the names of officers, pay attention to badges, record any information that is known not only to you, but also to witnesses.