Know Your Rights
At Levesque Law PLLC, we are dedicated to keeping our clients informed and empowered. With recent announcements of significant and radical changes to immigration policies, it’s more important than ever to know your rights and be prepared. These new measures may have far-reaching implications for individuals and families across the country.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones:
If Approached by Law Enforcement or ICE
Remain Calm: Remain calm. Avoid running, arguing, or obstructing the officer.
Remain Silent: You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status, citizenship, or place of birth.
Do Not Lie: Never lie about your status or provide false documents.
Right to An Attorney: Ask for an attorney. You can consult with an attorney before signing any documents or making statements. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
Warrant: Officers need a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. Ask to see it before allowing entry.
Identification: If you’re 18 or older, you should carry valid ID. Non-citizens should also carry immigration documents if available.
Evidence of Residence: Keep documents that demonstrate over two years of residency in the U.S., like utility bills or payment summaries. This can protect you from expedited removal.
If You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
Stay Silent & Talk to an Attorney: Tell ICE that you would like to remain silent and request an attorney. Don’t provide explanations or sign anything without legal counsel.
Read Documents Carefully: Do not sign or make decisions without fully understanding the papers.
Contact Your Consulate: You have the right to inform your consulate or have ICE do so on your behalf.
If ICE Comes to Your Home
Keep the Door Closed: Speak through the door and ask to see badges or identification.
Warrant: Request to see a warrant. If one is presented, look at it through the window or under the door. Without a judicial search or arrest warrant, you do not have to let them inside. The warrant should be signed by a judge.
Know What to Say: If agents force entry, remain calm and state, “I do not consent to your entry or search. I wish to remain silent and speak with a lawyer.”
We Are Here to Help
This can be a stressful and uncertain time, but you are not alone. Levesque Law PLLC is committed to advocating for your rights and providing you with guidance and representation. If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration status, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for a consultation.
Conozca sus derechos
En Levesque Law PLLC, nos dedicamos a mantener a nuestros clientes informados y empoderados. Con los recientes anuncios de cambios significativos y radicales en las políticas de inmigración, es más importante que nunca conocer sus derechos y estar preparado. Estas nuevas medidas pueden tener implicaciones de gran alcance para individuos y familias en todo el país.
Aquí está lo que necesita saber para protegerse a usted y a sus seres queridos:
Si Se Aserca la Policía o ICE
Mantenga la Calma: Manténgase tranquilo. Evite correr, discutir o obstruir al oficial.
Permanezca en Silencio: No está obligado a responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o lugar de nacimiento.
No Mienta: Nunca mienta sobre su estatus ni proporcione documentos falsos.
Derecho a un Abogado: Solicite un abogado. Puede consultar con un abogado antes de firmar cualquier documento o hacer declaraciones. No firme nada que no entienda.
Orden Judicial: Los oficiales necesitan una orden judicial firmada por un juez para entrar a su hogar. Solicite verla antes de permitir el ingreso.
Identificación: Si tiene 18 años o más, debe llevar una identificación válida. Los no ciudadanos también deben portar documentos de inmigración si están disponibles.
Evidencia de Residencia: Guarde documentos que demuestren más de dos años de residencia en los EE. UU., como facturas de servicios públicos o resúmenes de pagos. Esto puede protegerlo de la deportación expedita.
Si Es Arrestado o Detenido por Inmigración
Permanezca en Silencio y Hable con un Abogado: Dígale a ICE que desea permanecer en silencio y solicite un abogado. No proporcione explicaciones ni firme nada sin asesoría legal.
Lea los Documentos Cuidadosamente: No firme ni tome decisiones sin entender completamente los papeles.
Contacte a Su Consulado: Tiene el derecho de informar a su consulado o pedir que ICE lo haga en su nombre.
Si ICE Llega a Su Hogar
Mantenga la Puerta Cerrada: Hable a través de la puerta y pida ver credenciales o identificación.
Orden Judicial: Solicite ver una orden judicial. Si le presentan una, revísela a través de la ventana o por debajo de la puerta. Sin una orden de registro o arresto firmada por un juez, no está obligado a permitirles entrar.
Sepa Qué Decir: Si los agentes fuerzan la entrada, manténgase tranquilo y diga: “No doy mi consentimiento para su entrada o registro. Deseo permanecer en silencio y hablar con un abogado.”
Estamos Aquí para Ayudar
Este puede ser un momento estresante e incierto, pero no está solo. En Levesque Law PLLC, estamos comprometidos a defender sus derechos y brindarle orientación y representación. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes sobre su estatus migratorio, no dude en comunicarse con nuestra oficina para una consulta.
Dec. 2, 2024 - Navigating Uncertain Times: Protecting Your Rights in Light of the Election
As we process the results of the recent election and President Trump's re-election, many in our community understandably feel uncertain about what lies ahead. Reports in the news have included discussions of potential policies such as mass deportations, home raids, detention centers, and denaturalization. These possibilities may raise anxiety and concern, but it’s important not to let fear overwhelm us.
While we cannot predict what changes will occur before President Trump begins his second term on January 20, 2025, staying informed and prepared is vital. At Levesque Law, we are fully committed to protecting and defending our clients no matter what challenges may arise.
Recommendations to Stay Protected
To ensure you are as prepared as possible, here are some proactive steps based on your status:
For Clients with Lawful Status
Always carry proof of your status, such as your Lawful Permanent Residence Card ("green card”), work permit, or other official documentation.
Consider keeping digital copies of these documents in a secure, accessible location for backup.
For Undocumented Clients
Start gathering evidence of your residence in the U.S. for at least the last two years. Documents like rent receipts, utility bills, medical records, or school records can be invaluable.
Memorize the phone numbers of close family members and trusted contacts, in case personal belongings are confiscated during detention.
If You Are Detained
If detained by immigration authorities, it’s critical to state clearly that you fear returning to your home country if that is the case.
You DO NOT have to sign any document without consulting an attorney. Notify ICE that they need to contact your attorney immediately.
Standing Together with Strength and Resilience
While the future may seem uncertain, please remember you are not alone. Levesque Law is here to provide guidance, defense, and advocacy to help ensure your rights and well-being are protected.
We are closely monitoring developments as changes unfold. If you have questions about your situation or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Together, we will face these challenges with resilience, determination, and hope for a better future.