Deportation Info and Resources

This website was designed to provide you with the resources you need to keep up to date with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.). On this page you will find valuable information regarding deportation, your rights, and what to do if I.C.E. were to stop you.

In order for us to better assist you, please click below.

Sanctuary Cities: Policies, Impact on Immigrants
and Protection Strategies

What Are Sanctuary Cities?

Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions (such as cities, counties, or states) that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, like ICE. This means local law enforcement generally does not actively assist ICE in detaining or deporting undocumented immigrants unless required by law. Sanctuary policies may include not holding individuals for ICE beyond their release date, not honoring ICE detainers, or limiting ICE access to local databases.
These policies aim to build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging individuals to report crimes, seek help, and access services without fear of deportation. However, sanctuary cities do not provide immunity from federal immigration laws—they simply limit the involvement of local agencies in immigration enforcement.

Key Policies of Sanctuary Cities

1.Non-Cooperation with ICE: Local police do not inquire about immigration status or detain individuals for ICE unless there is a criminal warrant.

2.No ICE Detainer Compliance: Sanctuary cities refuse to honor ICE detainer requests, which ask local police to hold undocumented immigrants beyond their release time.

3.Access to Public Services: Undocumented immigrants can access essential services like schools, healthcare, shelters, and legal aid without fear of immigration enforcement.

4.Community Trust Policies: Local law enforcement prioritizes public safety over immigration status, encouraging undocumented individuals to report crimes and cooperate with authorities without fear of deportation.

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Major Sanctuary Cities

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Major Sanctuary States

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Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Less Fear of Deportation – Immigrants are less likely to be reported to ICE by local police.
  • Access to Public Services – More protections in healthcare, education, and housing.
  • Improved Community Safety – Encourages immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with police.

Cons

  • Less Fear of Deportation – Immigrants are less likely to be reported to ICE by local police.
  • Access to Public Services – More protections in healthcare, education, and housing.
  • Improved Community Safety – Encourages immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with police.

How Immigrants Can Protect Themselves in Sanctuary Cities

Know your Rights – You’re not required to answer immigration questions, open your door to ICE without a warrant, or sign any documents without understanding them.

Stay Informed and Connected
Follow local sanctuary city policies and connect with trusted immigrant advocacy groups for legal help.

Avoid Risky Situations
Steer clear of high-risk areas and locations where ICE activity has been reported; ICE generally avoids schools, churches, and hospitals

Get Local Support
Obtain a local or municipal ID if possible to access services without disclosing immigration status.

Sanctuary policies provide some protection, but they do not make a city completely safe from ICE enforcement. Immigrants should always be aware of their rights and have an emergency plan in place.

Know Your Rights

What are my basic rights during immigration enforcement?

  • Right to remain silent – You do not have to answer questions or make statements.

  • Right to refuse unlawful searches – Authorities need a warrant or probable cause to search you or your property.

  • Right to legal representation – You can ask for a lawyer if you are detained.

  • Right not to open the door without a warrant – ICE must present a valid warrant to enter your home.

Who should be informed about immigration rights?

  • Undocumented immigrants – Protect yourself from deportation or abuse.

  • Green card holders – Avoid status violations.

  • Visa holders – Prevent legal trouble from misunderstandings.

  • Anyone at risk of immigration enforcement – Being informed is key.

Where can I find affordable or free legal help?

  • Pro bono immigration attorneys and legal aid groups (by state).

  • Rapid response networks for urgent help.

  • Support tailored for communities (e.g., Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern).

  • Legal services in multiple languages.

What should I do to prepare in case of detention or deportation?

  • Assign legal guardianship for children.

  • Prepare a Power of Attorney (POA).

  • Gather and secure critical documents (ID, medical, school, etc.).

  • Set up financial access and emergency contact lists.

Which documents should I keep accessible at all times?

  • Identification: Passport, birth certificate, consular/state ID.

  • Legal: Green card, visa, I-94, work permits, USCIS receipts.

  • Family: School, medical records, proof of residency.

What should I do?

  • Do not open the door without a warrant.

  • Stay calm and silent.

  • Don’t sign anything without a lawyer.

  • Record the interaction if possible.

  • Call your attorney or legal aid.

What are my rights?

  • Stay calm; do not run.

  • Ask if you are free to go.

  • Remain silent and don’t show fake documents.

  • Don’t sign anything without legal advice.

How should I respond?

  • Ask to see a warrant.

  • Do not panic or run.

  • Remain silent and call a lawyer.

  • Don’t reveal your status or sign any documents.

What should I expect?

  • Be ready to show documents (if available).

  • You can remain silent if asked about immigration status.

  • Citizens do not need to answer immigration questions.

  • Request legal help immediately if detained.

What if ICE confuses me with someone undocumented?

  • Ask if you’re detained or free to go.

  • Remain silent and ask for a lawyer.

  • Show valid ID if you’re a citizen/resident.

  • Never sign anything without legal advice.

How can I protect myself at work?

  • You have the right to fair wages and safety regardless of status.

  • Report labor violations anonymously.

  • Be alert to ICE raids; they need a warrant to enter.

  • Document any discrimination or harassment.

Where can I find help beyond legal aid?

  • Local immigrant community centers.

  • Religious and cultural organizations.

  • Trauma and counseling services for stress and fear management.

What if I live in a high-ICE-activity area?

  • Stay informed about sanctuary city protections.

  • Find local programs offering healthcare, education, or housing for undocumented individuals.

Pro Bono & Low-Cost Immigration Attorneys

Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

  1. The Legal Aid Society – Immigration Law Unit
  1. Catholic Charities Community Services – Immigration Legal Services
  1. Legal Services NYC – Pro Bono Practice

• Website: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers

Affordable Immigration Attorneys

  1. Norma A. Potros Law Firm PC
  1. Lightman Law Firm

Additional Resources

  • U.S. Department of Justice – List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

• Website: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers

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