LUCE (Latinos Unidos en Massachusetts)
Phone: 617-370-5023
- Spanish (Ext. 1)
- English (Ext. 2)
- Portuguese (Ext. 3)
- French (Ext. 4)
- Haitian Creole (Ext. 5)
- Mandarin (Ext. 6)
Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Services:
- Call or text if ICE is spotted in your community.
- Trained volunteers are dispatched to verify reports.
- Volunteer opportunities available (training provided).
Website:
https://www.lucemass.org/
https://linkpages.pro/dUHuIz
MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition)
Phone: 508-293-1871
Purpose: Immigration status questions
Resources Available:
https://miracoalition.org/family-preparedness/ - MA Family Preparedness Packet
Court Support
Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI)
Phone: 508-505-4588
Know Your Rights
If ICE Agents Come to Your Home
- Do NOT open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
- Ask them to slide the warrant under the door.
- Do not allow entry without a valid judicial warrant with your name on it.
At Work or in Public
- Do NOT run.
- Stay calm.
- Ask: “Am I being arrested or detained?” If no, calmly walk away. If yes, know your rights:
You Have the Right To:
- Remain silent.
- Refuse to answer questions.
- Call an attorney.
- Refuse to sign anything before speaking to your attorney.
Have an Emergency Plan
- Keep important documents in a safe place.
- Ensure family members have your attorney’s contact information.
- Carry your immigration documents if required by law (if over 18).
What Families Can Say
- “I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.”
- “I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.”
- “I do not give you permission to search my belongings.”
- “I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”
After an Arrest
- National Immigration Law Center
- Guidance available on how to locate loved ones after an arrest.
- How to find love ones after an arrest
- My Community Member was arrested by ICE- What do I do?
- Instructions for Immigration Court
How to Reduce Risk During an Encounter
- Stay calm.
- Do not run, argue, resist, or obstruct officers.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Do not lie about your status.
- Do not provide false documents.
Additional Rights Information
- You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in immigration court.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen and are asked for immigration papers, you must present them if you have them.
- You have the right to refuse a search unless agents have consent or probable cause.
- If you do not have documents with you, state that you wish to remain silent or speak with a lawyer.
If Stopped by Law Enforcement
- In some states, you must provide your name if asked.
- If driving, you must provide:
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- You do not have to answer questions about immigration status.
At the Border or Airport
- Customs officers may ask about immigration status when entering or leaving the U.S.
- Lawful permanent residents must answer questions establishing identity and residency.
- Visa holders may be denied entry if they refuse to answer questions.
Civil Rights Support
- ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
- Provides additional guidance and civil rights resources.
- ACLU
