Dear Neighbor,
Our community and state are stronger because of the people who have made the difficult decision to cross borders and oceans in search of a brighter future. From our schools and small businesses to society overall, immigrants enrich our neighborhoods and economies here in Michigan and across the country every day.
While the federal administration’s cruel immigration agenda threatens the safety and well-being of our communities and neighbors, I want you to know that no matter what language you speak, how you pray, or where you call home — I am fighting for you. While my Senate colleagues and I work to advance legislation to protect Michiganders from the reckless actions of federal immigration officers, I also wanted to share valuable resources to keep you and your loved ones informed and prepared in the months ahead. Stay alert, stay engaged, and take care.
In Service,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator, District 13
Be Prepared Before an Immigration Arrest
Sources: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC)
Develop an Emergency Response Plan
▶ Keep all of your important documents in an easily accessible place.
▶ Make copies of these documents for a family member or close friend to keep in case of emergency:
→ Passport
→ Birth certificate
→ Marriage license
→ Car titles
→ Property deeds
→ All immigration documents, including “A” number if you have one
Speak with a trusted immigration attorney to assess your individual immigration situation
▶ Always have the number or card of a respected legal service provider or immigration lawyer.
▶ Your family should also have these numbers, and you should memorize those family members’ numbers. Have a plan to protect your family
▶ Prepare a “Power of Attorney” form to ensure the proper care of your children with a relative or family friend in case you are detained or deported.
▶ Obtain a valid passport for your children.
→ If your child is a citizen of the United States, obtain a passport for them as soon as possible. They will need this to travel outside of the country and prove citizenship later.
→ If your child is not a citizen of the United States, obtain a passport from their country of citizenship, which you can get from their country’s consulate.
If ICE is at Your Door
Source: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Reduce Risk to Yourself
▶ Stay calm and keep the door closed. It is safer to speak to ICE agents through the door. Know Your Rights
▶ You have the right to remain silent, even if an officer has a warrant.
▶ You do not have to let police or immigration agents into your home unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
▶ If police have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
What to Do
▶ Ask if they are immigration agents and why they are there.
▶ Ask them to show a badge or identification through a window or peephole.
▶ Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it (see examples at left).
▶ Do not open your door unless they show you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they don’t produce a warrant that meets those conditions, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
▶ If agents force their way in, do not resist. State: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
▶ Don’t lie or produce any false documents. Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first.
▶ If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.
If You are Arrested or Detained
Source: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
▶ Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any explanations or excuses. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
▶ If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
▶ If you have been detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention.
▶ Remember your immigration number (“A” number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.
▶ Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.
▶ If you are a non-citizen: Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status. Don’t discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. While you are in jail, an immigration agent may visit you.
▶ Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer. Read all papers fully. If you do not understand or cannot read the papers, tell the officer you need an interpreter.
Additional Resources
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Learn more about how to prepare for ICE interactions, setting up safeguards for your family, and more.
Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC)
For general immigration services and information OR if your loved one has been detained, call (734) 239-6863, Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For information 24/7, you can text this number on WhatsApp: (734) 472-2247
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Find local organizations to assist with a variety of immigration services like:
▶ Adjustment of status
▶ Consular processing
▶ Employment authorization
▶ Family-based petitions
▶ Removal hearings
▶ U visas
▶ Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions
▶ And more!
immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/search?state=MI
Para leer toda esta información en español
aclu.org/know-your-rights/derechos-de-los-inmigrantes
To report misconduct, misuse of force, or racial profiling by immigration enforcement officers or police officers:
Call the ACLU Hotline: (313) 208-7048
You can also report misuse of force by federal agents to the Michigan Attorney General by scanning this QR code.