Here's What to do if ICE Knocks on the Door

Executive actions taken by Donald Trump have heightened fear within immigrant communities. On day one, his administration prioritized deportations, resulting in increased arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants, including those with no criminal records. 

Wynfred Russell is a public health practitioner with a master's degree in health and public policy

The Twin Cities’ northwest suburbs are home to a large West African population. Former Brooklyn Park City Council member and community leader Wynfred Russell immigrated to Minnesota from Liberia in 1992 during the first Liberian Civil War. 

“I came here as a refugee student. I’ve grown up knowing and appreciating the U.S. as a place where you can come and feel safe and welcome,” he said. “Today though, there’s a high level of anxiety in the community, the most urgent worry is their residency status and their future in the United States.”

Amid concerns over the Trump Administration’s plans for mass deportations, Wynfred has been hosting discussions in his community so other immigrants know how to respond if ICE shows up at a home or workplace.

"We’re just trying to hold people’s hands and provide resources to help them navigate this new immigration minefield," he said.

At home

Principal Attorney Nkechi Kiki Gillman with The Gillman Immigration Law firm has been joining the conversations as an expert on immigration policies and enforcement. She said immigration officials cannot enter a private residence without a judicial warrant signed by a judge and bearing the person’s name. "Do not open the door if ICE agents arrive at your home. Instead, ask officers to slide any documents under the door. Tell them you do not wish to speak with them and that you’re invoking your Fifth Amendment right."

At work

The process differs in workplace settings. “If the employer lets them in, that’s on the employer,” said Kiki. She cautioned against resisting arrest but stressed the importance of remaining silent and not answering questions. 

Know your rights

• Right to remain silent

• Right to call the consulate of your home country, if you are not a U.S. citizen

• Right to speak to an attorney

• Right to know why you’re being detained

On top of knowing your rights, Kiki recommended having a family preparedness plan that includes an attorney’s contact information and access to critical documents.

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What about local police departments?

Wynfred says immigrants are also on edge when it comes to dealing with local police departments. Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering said her officers maintain a clear distinction between federal immigration enforcement and their role as local police. She wants the community to reach out for help in an emergency, regardless of their immigration status. 

"Our ability to provide safety is diminished when those community members feel they can’t ask for help, report crimes, and interact with police officers to find and solve problems in their neighborhoods without fear of negative consequences after those interactions," said Chief Revering. "Without this trust within the whole community, we know the community is put at increased risk which is contrary to our primary goal."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says law enforcement agencies could possibly face civil liabilities if they enforce immigration detainers. His office issued an official legal opinion detailing how Minnesota law prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from holding someone based on an immigration detainer if the person would otherwise be released from custody.