WASHINGTON – In view of the Trump administration’s discriminatory immigration order, the Sikh Coalition– a community-based organisation that defends Sikh civil rights– has issued an advisory in the form of a Punjabi-language guide concerning a person’s rights with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in USA. The ICE is one of the federal government agencies responsible for deporting people.
Following are the points/instructions given in the guide:
1. If I know I’m at risk, what can I do?
■ Make a plan with your loved ones in case you are picked up by ICE!
■ Avoid contact with Immigration – don’t apply to change your immigration status or to renew your green card and don’t travel outside of the United States without talking to a lawyer first!
■ Avoid contact with the Criminal Justice System (the police share your fingerprints with Immigration)!
2. What should I do if ICE agents approach me on the street or in public? When ICE agents arrest someone in public, it typically happens quickly. They may call your name out loud and ask you to confirm your name and then detain you.
■ Before you say your name or anything else, ask, “AM I FREE TO GO?”
■ If they say YES: Say, “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.” Walk away. If they say NO: Use your right to remain silent! Say, “I want to use my right not to answer questions” and then “I want to speak to a lawyer.”
■ If ICE starts to search inside your pockets or belongings, say, “I do not consent to a search.”
■ Don’t lie or show false documents. Don’t flee or resist arrest.
■ Don’t answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. They will use any information you provide against you. Do not hand over any foreign documents such as a passport, consular IDs, or expired visas.
■ If you are in Criminal Court for a court date, ask to speak to your defender before they take you away
3. What do I do if officers are at my door?
■ Try to stay calm. Be polite. Don’t lie. Say “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
■ Politely ask to see a warrant signed by a judge and to slip it under the door. If they don’t have one, decline to let them in.
■ Tell them if there are children or other vulnerable residents at home.
■ Ask them to step outside unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
■ If they came inside without your permission, tell them “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.”
■ If they start to search rooms or items in your home, tell them “I do not consent to your search.”
■ If ICE is arresting you, tell them if you have medical issues or need to arrange for childcare.
4. What are my rights if I am being arrested by ICE?
■ You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
■ You do not have to share any information about where you were born, what your immigration status is, or your criminal record. Ask to speak to a lawyer instead of answering questions.
■ You do not have to give them your consular documents or passport unless they have a warrant from a judge.
■ You do not have to si
