The New York Times reports that homeland security officials have confirmed that nationwide raids to arrest immigrant families will begin this week, reportedly on Sunday July 14. While the details remain unclear, many immigrant families are concerned about what this might mean for them. The good news is that the raids are limited in scope. Only ten cities will be targeted and only 2,000 families have reportedly been targeted. During the raids, Immigration and Customs enforcement has noted that it will detain those who have been targeted, but that it may also detain other people it identifies as targets during the raids. What does this mean for immigrants in the coming weeks?

• Always have your paperwork on you. If a raid is performed and you happen to be on the scene, not having paperwork could result in your detention. While you are not legally required to answer any questions about where you were born or your immigration status, ICE could detain you if you cannot provide satisfactory answers.
• Don’t ever give false documents to Immigration and Customs enforcement. If you do not have documentation, simply tell immigration officers that you would like to remain silent. Then, speak to a qualified immigration lawyer as soon as possible.
• Have the phone numbers of family members and your lawyer handy. If you are detained, don’t expect that you’ll remember all phone numbers during the confusion of the raid.
• You have the right to remain silent. Tell officers or ICE officials that you plan to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions about your immigration status or tell officers about where you were born.
• You do not have to say “yes” to a search. Officers must have a warrant to perform a search. If officers search you without your permission, they may not be permitted to submit that evidence in court later.
• Don’t resist arrest or detention. If officers search you without your permission, don’t fight. Tell officers that you do not give them permission, and contact your lawyer who can assist you with the next steps.
• Contact your immigration lawyer. Joseph Cohen is an immigration lawyer in San Antonio, Texas who may be able to assist you with fighting your deportation.
• If immigration officers knock on your door, you do not have to open the door. You never have to answer the door. And ICE is not permitted to forcibly enter your home.

These are just some of the things to keep in mind in the coming weeks as the Trump administration announces that it will perform deportation raids. If you are detained during a raid, don’t sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to fight your deportation in court. You do not have to leave the country until you have had your day in court.

Who Will Be Targeted By Deportation Raids?

The New York Times reports that immigrants who recently crossed the border will be targeted by the raids. Those who have already been in the country for some time may not be targeted by the first wave of raids. Those who had court dates, but who failed to appear, and those who were ordered to leave, but who failed to do so, may be targeted in the raids that will begin in July.

If you believe you might be targeted by immigration raids, it is important to prepare yourself. First, know your rights. Understand what locations and places where you can be targeted. If immigration officers knock on your door, you do not have to answer the door. Places like churches and schools are also protected from raids. If you have children who are U.S. citizens you may also have additional rights should you be apprehended. J. Joseph Cohen is an immigration lawyer in San Antonio, Texas who can review your situation and help you understand what you can do to protect yourself. Our firm can also take steps to adjust your status or help you obtain legal permanent residency in the U.S. if you qualify. Sometimes your deportation can be stopped or prevented through an adjustment of status.

Which Cities Will Be Targeted by the ICE Deportation Raids?

According to Vox, ten cities will be targeted by ICE’s deportation raids. These cities include: Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco. 2,000 families will be reportedly targeted in the raids. If you do not live in these cities, you might not be immediately targeted. However, now might be the time to prepare yourself and your family should the raids expand to include cities like San Antonio, Texas. J. Joseph Cohen is an immigration attorney in San Antonio who works closely with families facing deportation and detention. If you have a loved one in detention or are facing deportation, contact our law firm today. We may be able to help you.