- Always carry any valid immigration document you have with you.
- For example, if you have a valid work permit or green card, be sure to have it with you in case you need to show it for identification purposes.
- Carry a know-your-rights card (and show it if an immigration officer stops you – see below for more information on what to do if you encounter an ICE officer)
- 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.
- Safety Planning: While it can be stressful to think about a worst-case scenario, you don’t want to find yourself in a situation or encounter that you are not prepared for. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to be prepared with a safety plan for what to do if you or a loved one is detained by immigration officials.
- Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are arrested.
- If you take care of children or other people, make a plan to have them taken care of if you are detained. Speak with an attorney to discuss whether it is appropriate to prepare a “power of attorney” document.
- Keep important documents such as birth certificates and immigration documents in a safe place where a friend or family member can access them if necessary.
- If you have an immigration attorney, make sure your loved ones have the attorney’s contact information and a plan to contact them if you are detained.
- Make sure your loved ones know how to find you if you are detained by ICE. They can use ICE’s online detainee locator to find an adult who is in immigration custody. Or they can call the local ICE office. Make sure they have your alien registration number (or “A” number) written down, if you have one.
- If you have a case in Immigration Court, you can view your case online or call the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline number at 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on your case’s status.
For additional information, please visit our Know Your Rights page.