By: Ally Bolour, Law Offices of Ally Bolour, APC
On a daily basis, we are bombarded by news accounts of distress among immigrant communities nationwide. Images of mothers literally being torn apart from their crying children on Southern California sidewalks, detained women and children being held in extremely cold private prisons in the most remote locations away from their families and attorneys, farm workers getting picked up and detained at random while on their way to work, unfortunately form our new reality in America.
In my 21-year career as an immigration attorney, I have never been more distraught and disgusted by our government’s behavior towards its immigrants. Its as if the entire country went thru the looking glass in November 2016 and is wondering aimlessly in the dark forest trying to find the portal to get back to normalcy. That portal may be the upcoming November 2018 elections when things may start changing. But until then, we must hold the line and fight back against the tyranny that is the Trump government.
Unfortunately however, until there is a change at the top, ICE will continue to hound immigrant communities. Literally, you may run into an ICE officer wanting to speak with you just because you may be a person of color.
If you’re approached by an ICE officer and are a US citizen, tell them as much and walk away. If you are not a US citizen, regardless of whether they approach you at your front door, a public setting, or your place of employment, YOU HAVE RIGHTS!
- You have the right to remain silent;
- If you choose to stay silent – say so out loud;
- You may ask if you’re free to leave;
- You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from;
- If they are at your door, before letting them in, ask to see a warrant signed by a Judge and not merely an ICE agent;
- The warrant MUST have your correct name and address;
- If there is no such warrant, you don’t have to let them in;
- If you have a lawyer, show them a copy of your G-28;
- If you don’t have a lawyer, tell them you want to get one.
In all instances, please remember not to lie. Also feel free to call our Los Angeles office at 323-857-0034 if you wish to be represented.