Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights – ICE Raids

This info page contains general information about your rights. It is not a substitute for legal advice regarding your particular situation. You should consult a licensed immigration attorney for specific legal advice about immigration issues.

PREPARING FOR AN ICE RAID

  1. Contact your studio, and request the studio’s policy on responding to ICE raids.
    • Studios should designate an individual on-site to be the point person for communicating with ICE in the event of a raid.
    • Contact the Guild if you need assistance obtaining the studio’s policy.
  2. Make sure your co-workers know whom to contact in the event of an ICE raid, and what the studio’s policy is.
  3. Print the Know Your Rights Card, and you can pass out copies to your co-workers.

ICE RAIDS IN THE WORKPLACE

  • If the studio has a policy for responding to ICE raids, you should immediately contact the company contacts responsible for dealing with ICE.
  • In most circumstances, ICE agents cannot inspect an employer’s business without a warrant, which must be signed by a judge or magistrate.
    • Do not consent to ICE entering the workplace (including if you are shooting on location).
    • The employer or person in charge should ask the agents to see the warrant.
    • The warrant must describe what the ICE agents have a right to inspect.
    • ICE agents may only go to areas of the employer’s business where the items or persons described in the warrant may be found. 
  • What can I do in the event of an ICE raid?
    • Peacefully observe the law enforcement activity or raid. You can announce you are recording a video and stay a safe distance away.
    • If possible, record all of the ICE agents’ names and badge numbers.
    • If ICE detains any employees, ask the agents where the detained workers will be held, and immediately notify their families or emergency contact to inform them of the situation and advise them to consult a lawyer. Also immediately notify their union.
      • Report the arrest/detention to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center hotline: (213) 833-8283
  • Do not obstruct or interfere with ICE or other law enforcement agents.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE DETAINED OR ARRESTED

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • You have the right to contact your attorney or a family member.
  • DON’T sign any documents before speaking with a lawyer.
  • Find out who has arrested you.