FAMILY PREPARATION FOR AN ICE EVENT
Create a written safety plan in case of detainment that all family members have access to so that they know what
steps to take to ensure safety for all involved.
- Create a financial contingency plan in case of detainment to support children or pets under your care. Does this include covering rent and utilities?
- Designate who will care for children or pets under your care in case you are detained.
- Direct a representative to notify your lawyer if you are detained.
- Direct a representative to notify your employer and any family extended members who may need to know of your detainment.
MEMORIZE AND CARRY A PHYSICAL COPY OF EMERGENCY CONTACT AT ALL TIMES
People who have unsafe/unstable status or are undocumented should appoint a representative (preferably someone with a stable immigration
status) as their emergency contact if they are detained. They should memorize and keep that person's name and contact information written down
and carry it with them at all times. While being detained, give the written contact information to any legal observers who witness
the detainment and ask the observer to call the emergency contact. Having it memorized will be important if you were successful in giving
the written contact information to a legal observer. You can then follow up if (hopefully) you are allowed to make a call once detained.
CARRY COPIES OF IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS AND IDs
People should keep printed (preferably notarized) colored copies of all of their immigration documents and identification documents
on their person. They should not carry originals for multiple reasons, but should leave original documents in a safe place that their
appointed emergency contact can access. If you prefer to carry original documents for any reason consult with a lawyer, but do
what you believe is best in your situation. Know the risks.
PROTECTION PLAN FOR CHILDREN
It is very important if there are children in the home that those children have a legally appointed guardian in the case of detainment of both custodial parents.
This is especially important if the children are US Citizens, as parents are no longer being offered a stay of deportation for one
parent in order to get a passport/visa for their child to join them if deported.
Make sure to inform schools of an emergency backup person to pick children up from school if parents are detained.
If possible, parents who are at risk of deportation should get passports for their US Citizen minor children. This also comes with its
own risks, so each family should decide if they prefer to get a passport, or to assign a legal temporary guardian. Regardless of whether minor children are
US Citizens, the family should appoint a legal temporary guardian to avoid the foster care system should both parents be detained.
KNOW HOW YOU WILL EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS
Indiana’s law states that you have to give your name to an officer if they ask (including ICE).
Know Your Rights even still. Learn the differences between how judicial warrants look (signed by a judge) and one that ICE uses.
See the Resources and Aid tab above for valid and invalid warrant samples.
