Regarding ICE As Someone Who Has Done Some Reporting On It And Talked To Both ICE And Immigration Lawyers

regarding ICE as someone who has done some reporting on it and talked to both ICE and immigration lawyers

in different states, there are often different levels of law enforcement with ICE. california, for example, has the california values act and so in many jurisdictions, law enforcement is less likely to involve itself with immigration matters. pay attention to the history of your area's compliance with ICE. it also means law enforcement may not know ICE is around.

ICE vehicles do not have to be marked. oftentimes their enforcement and removal cars are not marked as "border patrol" or "ICE" or anything. their plates are usually "exempt" plates.

ICE officers are SUPPOSED to wear identifiable clothing and gear when performing operations, but are often in plainclothes, even during operations.

for reasons above, it might not be obvious that ICE is in your area or that a car you see is involved with ICE operations. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES. trusted nonprofits and people who work with undocumented and nonstatus people will often be keeping tabs on ICE. law enforcement in some areas may know as well. find out if ICE is in your area through vetting sources and then keep tabs on them too.

try to provide information in as many languages as you can.

tell people: ICE NEEDS A JUDICIAL WARRANT TO ENTER YOUR HOME--not one signed by a higher up ICE official, it MUST be signed by a judge. ICE may insist that they don't need a warrant, that they operate differently. they are using scare tactics.

lastly, regardless of your immigration status: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. you can access the Immigration Legal Resource Center's red cards page, which can express your rights in a legally defensible way when ICE comes to your door. print some for your community. distribute them to people. they can be a useful resource! (https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas)

stay safe and protect each other, especially the most vulnerable groups among us.