The Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers hosted a “Know Your Rights Immigration Meeting” at West Oso Independent School District Feb. 6, offering valuable information to teachers, parents and students about their legal rights when interacting with immigration officers. The session featured Senior Immigration Attorney Arturo Lima, who shared key insights into protecting oneself during such encounters.
Lima’s presentation provided clarity on recognizing an immigration notice served by an officer.
He stressed the importance of verifying that any document presented should be a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, include the correct name of the person(s) being sought and clearly state the purpose for the officer’s visit. He recommended that individuals allow the officer to either place the document in a location where it can be clearly read or to “slip it under the door,” ensuring the document’s authenticity.
“Don’t react aggressively,” Lima advised, “Ask for the officer’s name and badge number if they are questioning you about your citizenship status.”
He also emphasized that individuals have the right to remain silent and can refuse to answer any questions about their immigration status. For those who do not have proper documentation or are on a work visa, Lima explained that they still have rights under U.S. law, including protection from unlawful detention and the right to legal representation.
A critical takeaway from Lima’s presentation was the advice for school staff to follow specific protocols if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, requests to enter school premises or attempt to question or take a student. Lima urged schools to have clear procedures in place for these situations. Teachers were advised to ensure that ICE officers have the proper documentation, such as a valid judicial warrant, before allowing any search or questioning within classroom. If ICE officers attempt to take a child, teachers must ensure the student’s rights are protected and should contact a legal representative immediately if necessary.
Lima explained to parents and families that an encounter with ICE in a home setting is generally safer than one in public.
“It’s better to have an encounter with ICE at home than in a public space, where things can escalate more quickly,” Lima said, underscoring the potential for confrontations may become violent during public encounters.
Additionally, Lima warned against lying to immigration officers if they ask whether someone is a legal citizen.
“If ICE officers ask about your citizenship status, do not lie,” he said. “It’s always better to tell the truth. Lying can harm your case in the long run. An immigration attorney will be able to protect you better if you were honest about your status.”
For those who do not have documents, Lima reminded attendees of the importance of contacting an immigration attorney for support. He also stated that individuals facing immigration issues should remain calm, know their rights, and avoid aggressive behavior that could worsen the situation.
The meeting aimed to equip community members with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of immigration law, helping them feel empowered and prepared in the event of an encounter with immigration officers.
An immigration notice should come from an official source, such as a judge or a government agency authorized to issue such documents, specifically.
- Judicial Warrant: if ICE officers are attempting to enter your home or arrest someone, they should present a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. This document must include the correct name of the person they are seeking and clearly state the purpose for the officer’s visit.
- ICE official documents: If ICE is conducting an investigation, they may present documents like a Notice of Inspection (NOI) or a Notice to Appear (NTA). These notices are issued by immigration authorities, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Executive office for Immigration Review (EOIR), depending on the situation.
- Search or Arrest Warrant: In some cases, ICE may present a warrant for arrest, signed by a judge, which grants them permission to detain or arrest the individual. This warrant must be issued by a court and served physically by an ICE agent.
If the document is not signed by a judge or lacks proper authority, you have the right to refuse entry and request an immigration attorney’s assistance.
