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A volunteer with the “Adopt a Corner” program hands out cards with resources for undocumented workers outside of a busy gas station in Petaluma where day laborers gather on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (COYOTE Media Collective)
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.
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
How to prepare
Memorize or write down important phone numbers for:
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:
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!
This story is part of COYOTE’s service journalism series. As this is public safety information that everyone can benefit from, we are not placing this article behind a paywall.
