How can I help, and what is my organization allowed to do?
Navigating immigrant aid for nonprofits
At different intervention points, the legal risk to your organization for providing aid to immigrants will vary. Here’s a guide to assess risk and advice about how to frame your work to comply with the law.
Bystander response
A lot of ICE response, raid reporting, and preemptive defense of undocumented immigrants is happening on the local level. Seek out your people; find your local guide!
Here’s an example of a guide created for DC.
If you see ICE, here’s what to report. Spread information, not panic! (En español)
Know Your Rights for immigrants and allies
If you have 5 minutes
Under the Constitution, you have rights - regardless of your immigration status. Print your own cards to hand to officers at the door to assert your rights. Available in 17 languages. En español.
Know Your Rights, Reduce Your Risks. Here’s a 1-page quick reference guide. (In English and en español.) Here are the magic words to memorize:
“Am I being detained, or am I free to go?” / “¿Estoy siendo detenido, official, o estoy libre para irme?”
“I do not consent to this search.”/ “Yo no consiento a um registro.”
“I want to remain silent.” / “Yo quiero permanecer callado.”
“I want a lawyer.” / “Yo quiero un abogado.”
If you want to learn more:
This webinar in English and en español (with an accompanying quick-reference slide deck) runs you through what to do if ICE or the cops come knocking, what your rights are as an immigrant at protests, and your rights along the spectrum of police encounters. (En español)
If you’re protesting as an immigrant:
If you’re an immigrant, you have First Amendment rights, but you are also subject to additional risks. Here are considerations when protesting as an immigrant: