Know Your Rights
What to do if you’re approached by Immigration Officials (ICE) in NJ?
What do you do if an agent asks you for your immigration documents?
IMPORTANT
NEVER LIE OR PRESENT FAKE OR FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS
If you do not have valid immigration documents or if you only have identification from a foreign country (like a foreign passport), tell officers that you want to remain silent and want to speak with a lawyer.
RACE / ETHNICITY ALONE ARE NOT VALIDE REASONS TO STOP YOU
ICE cannot hold you unless they have reason to think you are in the country without authorization or have violated an immigration-related criminal law.
MAKE A PLAN AHEAD OF TIME WITH FAMILY + FRIENDS
In case you are ever arrested by ICE make a plan ahead of time with family and friends. Memorize important phone numbers and make emergency plans with people you trust.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING BEFORE TALKING TO A LAWYER
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ARRESTED BY ICE?
ONE: ASK FOR A LAWYER
If you were arrested or have been a victim of ICE misconduct, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
You can find a list of providers below or call the Legal Services of New Jersey Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW.
TWO: TELL AUTHORITIES YOU ARE GOING TO REMAIN SILENT.
THREE: SAY NOTHING ELSE
NJ RESOURCES
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New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ)
As the state’s largest immigration coalition, NJAIJ comprises labor, faith, policy, community-based, and grassroots organizations. They work to empower and protect immigrants, positioning immigrant communities as leaders in campaigns that advance justice, inclusion, and belonging.
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American Friends Service Committee
Immigrant Rights Program (Newark Office): This program advocates for policies that respect the rights and dignity of all immigrants, including fair and humane national immigration policies. They offer legal assistance such as filings with USCIS, representation at asylum interviews, and representation before immigration courts.
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ACLU of New Jersey
The ACLU-NJ works to defend and advance the rights of immigrants through advocacy, litigation, and public education. They have driven powerful advocacy to fight immigration detention, make driver’s licenses accessible for all New Jerseyans, and end state and local law enforcement’s participation in federal detentions and deportation actions.
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Camden Center for Law and Social Justice
With offices in Atlantic City and Camden, this center provides legal assistance in areas such as adjustment of status, asylum applications, family-based petitions, and naturalization/citizenship.
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Wind of the Spirit
A community-based organization in New Jersey that advocates for immigrant rights and provides various services to support immigrant communities.
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Make the Road New Jersey
This organization builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, legal and support services, transformative education, and policy innovation.
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New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children
Focused on protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant children and youth in New Jersey through legal services, advocacy, and community education.
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First Friends of New Jersey & New York
An organization that upholds the inherent dignity and humanity of detained immigrants and asylum seekers by providing compassion and hope through volunteer visitation, resettlement assistance, and advocacy.
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Faith in New Jersey
A multi-faith and multi-racial network of faith leaders and faith communities working together to advance a racial, immigration, and economic justice agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.
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Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF)
Based in Trenton, LALDEF promotes the rights of Latin American immigrants in the Mercer County area, facilitating access to health care and education, advocating for the integration of immigrants, and fostering intercultural communication to strengthen our communities.