For individuals in our community, a run-in with ICE may be daunting. Keep in mind that no matter your status in relation to your immigration status, people are entitled to rights and you need to know how to protect from these events. This article is designed to provide you with what you need to know and what to do in case ICE shows up on your doorstep to prepare and educate you and your family.

You don’t have to open the door unless ICE has a valid warrant. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to consent to a search; and it’s important to document any interaction with ICE.  An article written by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) states that it  defends immigrant rights as part of their dedication to civil liberties. Their union also provides reliable information on legal rights during ICE encounters. 

The CEO of PGCPS – Millard House II, stated that, “No ICE official should be on PGCPS property” and also stating that ¨PGCPS Immigration Task Force continues to provide rapid response guidance to principals and staff, ensuring strict protocols are in place to prevent unauthorized access to our schools.¨

PGCPS emphasizes the importance of its partnership with families and the shared responsibility of ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging and hope.  

Even if ICE shows a warrant, take a couple of seconds and read it carefully. Clarify that a valid judicial warrant will have your complete legal name on it, be judge-signed, and was issued within the past 14 days. If you understand that the warrant is administrative (issued by ICE or DHS) and is not judge-signed, you are not obligated to open your door. ACLU states that you that the act of opening your door doesn’t make it legal for them to come in as it is more secure to talk to them through your shut door.

In such a confrontation, invoke your right to remain silent. You can decline to provide information or your status on your immigration. Penn State advises against lying and using counterfeit documents. If you are to be searched or your belongings by agents, you can lawfully decline to do this without probable cause. the national immigrant justice center advises calling for officers to identify themselves and you to write down officers’ names and badge numbers.

Recall that you do not need to sign anything prior to meeting with an attorney. Fox Rothschilds advises to prepare ahead of time by memorizing important phone numbers such as a family member or a close friend, and having copies of  Identification such as IDs and passports  as well as a secure location.

Remember that it is also best to know that the PGCPS system is “committed to providing a quality education to children irrespective of background or immigrant status”, according to the CEO. PGCPS has no interest in monitoring immigrant status of families and students and has open arms for everybody.