IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

In early February, MIRA staff and member organizations were alerted to rumors of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids at train and bus stations around the Greater Boston Area. There have been no confirmed reports of any raids, detentions or disappearances. However, there are confirmed reports of isolated incidents occurring in East Boston and Chelsea where individuals were stopped and asked for identification.

Conversations between MIRA and Chelsea and Boston police officials have indicated that no officers were instructed to ask for immigration documentation. In fact, officials state that if anyone is acting as an immigration or police officer without authorization, local police and/or community organizations should be notified immediately. Boston and Chelsea Police Departments should be contacted for more information and formal statements.

Given this environment and the fear it engenders, MIRA took the opportunity to distribute several documents outlining immigrant rights.

Know Your Rights

Whether you're a citizen or not, you have rights under the US Constitution. If you or your community members are stopped and asked for immigration status, documents, or social security number, it's important to know what to do.

All people have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer, even if approached by Immigration officers.

• Only Federal ICE agents who identify themselves as ICE, and show you their ID or badge can ask for immigration status. Only federal officials have the right to ask for immigration information and all officers – regardless of jurisdiction – must identify themselves with a badge and identification.
• Do NOT give your Social Security Number.
• Politely ask to see a badge, and write down the name and ID number, as well as the time and location. Look for witnesses.
• Politely ask if you are under arrest. If you are not under arrest, ask if you can go. If you are under arrest, ASK FOR A LAWYER.
• Call MIRA at (617) 350-5480 ext. 206 OR call the National Lawyers Guild at (617) 227-7335 and tell us what happened.

For more detailed explanations and handouts see the following:

• "Know Your Rights: What to Do if Questioned by Police, FBI, Customs Agents or Immigration Officers"
• "Know Your Rights: What to do if stopped and questioned about your immigration status on the street, the subway or the bus"

Translations into Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic are available at:

• MIRA Coalition's Know Your Rights Pamphlets

-Adapted from “Press Release: Immigrant Community States: Know Your Rights” e-mail from Ali Noorani, Executive Director MIRA Coalition, February 10, 2006 and “MIRA Weekly Bulletin- Know Your Rights! 2/8/06” e-mail.

02/06