As ICE arrests at domestic airports have seen a sharp uptick in recent weeks, the American Immigration Lawyers Association shared six tips for visa holders to do once they are stopped, questioned, or detained. The association also said that it’s best not to travel or to consult an attorney before traveling, even domestically, if you are out of status, in a period of authorized stay or have a removal order.
Do not sign anything: 6 things to do
American Immigration Lawyers’ Association issued a travel alert for visa holders.
- Stay calm: If stopped by ICE agents at an airport, there is no use of running, arguing or physically resisting. One must stay calm.
- Present your passport if asked: You may show your passport as ID. You are not required to disclose your visa category.
- Opt out of facial scan: The association urged individuals to say, “I am opting out of facial recognition. I want manual ID verification”.
- Remain silent: Say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent”.
- Ask for a lawyer: Say, “I want to speak to an attorney”. Repeat if necessary.
- Do not sign anything: Before signing on any immigration form, speak with your attorney.
Who are at higher risk?
If your I-94 is expired. I-94 is the document that controls how long you are allowed to stay in the US. Many people do not check the date.Those who have certain criminal cases such as DUI or drug chargeThe immigration lawyers association identified certain states as high-risk like Alabama, Texas and Florida as they have laws that create added rosk and may result in immigration detention or arrest during a routine traffic stop.
Documents to carry
- Passport
- I-94 printout
- I-797 approval
ICE has a goal of 2000 immigration arrests per day
Reports claimed that the department has given ICE a target of daily 2,000 immigration arrests, for which the recent drive has begun. Airlines have also started pushing back. In a recent incident, a federal agent tried to board a plane to look for a target but the Southwest Airlines asked to see a warrant signed by a judge and blocked the agent. Southwest told the Wall Street Journal that it follows the law and has protocols “to ensure appropriate legal documentation is presented by law enforcement personnel before any information about customers is shared”.
