What We Can Do About ICE

Here in the Bay, we know that in difficult times, our communities protect each other. Everyone has power; everyone has a role. History is clear: governments don't save us. We save ourselves.

While this federal administration has been busy empowering ICE to become, essentially, an extrajudicial militia allowed to disappear people from our streets, the Bay has been organizing. We will not be beaten down. Communities are empowered, aligned, and ready to step in and support our people. 

To that end, COYOTE has put together an evolving list of resources and tips for immigrants and their allies — for our current era and for all the difficult times to come.

We'll post new translations of this guide as they come in. For resources in Spanish, see El Tecolote.
Tiếng Việt | Tagalog

How to prepare

Memorize or write down important phone numbers for:

• Family members
• The emergency number for your country’s nearest consulate
• Legal support in case you are detained  

Make a plan for any children in your care and share it with others in your community.

If you have them, carry a valid work permit or green card and a United States ID or driver’s license.

Do not carry any false documents.

If you see them in your neighborhood

Call your local rapid response network. Save their number in your phone. 

• Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP)​: 510-241-4011
• Marin Rapid Response Network: 415-991-4545
• West Marin Rapid Response Network: 415-755-3622
• Stand Together Contra Costa: 925-900-5151
• San Francisco Rapid Response Network: 415-200-1548
• San Mateo County Rapid Response Network: 203-666-4472
• Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network: 408-290-1144
• North Bay Rapid Response Network: 707-800-4544

If they come to your house

Know your rights

• You don’t have to open your door.
• Ask for an interpreter if you don’t speak English and ICE agents don’t speak your language.
• You do not have to answer questions. Everyone at the address has the right to remain silent.
• If they try to enter or search your home, you can say, “I do not consent to this. Please leave.”

Verify their information

• If they say they are “police,” ask to see a card
• ICE agents must have a warrant signed by a judge in order to enter. The warrant must name a person who lives at your address. It needs to have the correct date and no misspellings. Ask them to slip the warrant under the door.

If you are able to do so safely, and are not impeding their investigation, record video, take photographs, and/or take notes on their conduct while inside.

If you’re detained

• You have the right to make a phone call.
• Do not sign any paperwork without first speaking with a lawyer. Ask for a lawyer repeatedly and immediately.
• Do not discuss your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the U.S.

For those of us who aren’t currently at risk of ICE detention and/or deportation, here are ways to help:

Reach out to your neighbors

• Order and distribute the Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s red cards
• Offer to be an emergency contact for neighbors, especially if they are caretakers or have children

Support immigrant-owned businesses

• Continue to shop at places that support immigrant communities.
• Buy out wares sold by street vendors so they can go home

If you own or manage a business

• You have the right to refuse service to ICE agents.
• Mark at least one room with “Private: Do Not Enter” to protect vulnerable staff and customers

Be a witness

• You have the right to film and photograph ICE actions. Keep a safe distance and make sure you get badges, faces, and vehicle identification.

Hold officials accountable

• Call your mayor and city councilmembers and ask how they plan  to respond to ICE in their districts. Many if not most Bay Area cities — including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Hayward, and San Jose — are Sanctuary Cities, meaning city employees are prohibited from using resources to assist in enforcing federal immigration law. Know that they have the power to hold ICE accountable for its tactics.
  • Silence from elected officials is unacceptable. Let them know you will remember their actions or lack thereof the next time you enter the voting booth.

Save those numbers. Know your rights. Look out for your neighbors.

The threats are real, but so is our power. ICE relies on fear and isolation. We can counter with preparation and solidarity.

This isn't our first fight and it won't be the last. Let’s go!