The San Francisco Immigrant Legal & Education Network (SFILEN) recently announced the establishment of a hotline to report raids and other actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the San Francisco area. When someone reports this type of activity in a certain area, SFILEN sends personnel to canvas the area and inform immigrants of their legal rights. They also hope to offer legal assistance for immigrants who have become involved in deportation proceedings. SFILEN is a group of legal and service organizations designed to help San Francisco’s extensive immigrant policy. It has taken steps to help protect the rights of immigrants in the San Francisco area in what has already proven to be a period of increased enforcement of immigration laws. SFILEN has developed a tip sheet to advise immigrants how to handle ICE enforcement actions. The organization also works with another 13 partner organizations in order to offer legal support to low-income immigrants in the community. Just as SFILEN’s tip sheet advises, immigrants should take some simple steps to protect themselves and their families if ICE approaches them, either at their residences or on the street. Some of these basic steps are as follows:

  • Do not open your door to ICE unless they produce a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
  • Do not answer any questions. You have the right to remain silent.
  • You don’t have to give ICE your name or ID card.
  • You don’t have to tell ICE about your legal status in the U.S.
  • You can ask if ICE is arresting you. If they are not arresting you, ask if you are free to leave.
  • Do not sign any documents until you have talked to an immigration attorney.

It is our goal to protect you against deportation using whatever defensive actions apply to you. As a result, we devote all of our efforts to advocating on behalf of you and your family before the immigration court. Don’t hesitate to contact the Bay Area immigration lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., and set up your legal consultation today. We are here to help!