Border Patrol has called campus: Know your rights with ICE

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On Wednesday, August 14, U.S. Customs and Border Protection called the Mardigian Library asking to book a room at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, according to an anonymous source. They were denied by the library — their policy is to not book rooms for outside organizations and groups.

Here are some steps to know your rights if ICE enters campus:

  1. You have the right to remain silent 

You do not have to talk to ICE officers. Know that you have this right. Your name, where you were born or your legal status does not have to be disclosed to ICE officers. If you feel like you have to answer a question, you must answer it honestly; however, you can request that an attorney be present or choose to remain silent. You also do not have to provide a fingerprint scan.

  1. Intimidation factor 

Intimidation is often used by ICE to gain entrance when an ICE raid occurs. However, if there is no valid search warrant, they have no right to enter.

“Prepare yourself mentally in advance to stand up to them and not concede an inch of your rights,” Jessica Prozinski, an organizer with Stop Trump Ann Arbor.

The Ann Arbor/Ypsi Rapid Response Team says to “ask to see the warrant.” It must be signed by a judge, have the name of your location and a detailed description of where they will look for you. Say, “I don’t want to talk to you without a lawyer.” For example, if you are in the University Center, and the warrant says they are looking in the College of Business, ICE officers cannot inspect there.

  1. For UM-Dearborn employees 
    Employees can deny an ICE officer of entry to the area if they are at the front desk of different offices, colleges or other buildings on campus. This may happen if an ICE officer has access to enter the area and a person’s name is listed for search. They will still enter, but remember that you can withhold information.
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Again, say, “I don’t want to talk to you without a lawyer.” Write down everything that happens, including the officers names.

All workers are protected by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, regardless of status. This situation is valid whether you’re in public or at home.

  1. What’s a subpoena? 

    To investigate, ICE must give a subpoena as a Notice of Inspection. A subpoena is an order for a person to go to court. It is sent to employers and gives about three days for the business to provide Form I-9s to ICE, which gives knowledge on employee eligibility to work in the United States.

  1. Have immigration documents on hand, if you have them

    This includes passports, documentation and others with a proof of status. If you have U.S. documentation, don’t carry any from another country. This could be held against you.

  1. If you see ICE, say something 

    Take the step to put a call out on social media or go to the scene and film it. Protect each other, says Prozinski. She says, ICE has been avoiding the law and we need to work as a community to resist detention camps, family separations and deportation.

There are two rapid response teams located in Detroit: By Any Means Necessary and the Southwest Detroit Rapid Response Team.

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