The following is information from the Maine Democratic Party regarding ICE and ICE activity within our communities:
As we continue to monitor ICE activity across the state, we know how important it is to find ways to support our communities. Included in this email is vetted guidance and a comprehensive list of resources that you can use and distribute amongst your networks. Please know that this crisis is top of mind for all of us at MDP and we will continue to share updates and additional resources as they become available.
What information should I share on social media?
- Please do not share information that will cause needless fear for immigrant communities at this already-stressful time. As always, only share verified, accurate information. ILAP, the ACLU of Maine, and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at the University of Maine School of Law have put together this resource if you are looking for accurate Know Your Rights and other materials to share with your networks: https://www.aclumaine.org/preparingforice/
What rights do immigrants have?
- All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. These include:
- The right not to open the door to your home to ICE, unless the agent has a signed judicial warrant.
- The right to ask an ICE officer, “Am I free to leave?”
- The right not to answer an immigration officer’s questions and to tell an immigration officer, “I choose not to say anything.”
Importantly, even if someone exercises their rights, ICE may ignore them and still detain them. If ICE tries to detain someone, they should do their best to stay calm and not run away or resist arrest.
- Learn more: https://www.aclumaine.org/preparingforice
What do I do if I see immigration enforcement officers?
- Make sure you know your rights regarding filming an ICE arrest or encounter: Filming Immigration Enforcement in the U.S.
- Report what you’ve seen to Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline at 207-544-9989.
- Complete this form if you believe an immigration officer has violated someone’s rights.
How do I make sure my business, school, or place of worship is prepared for ICE enforcement?
- Learn more here: https://www.aclumaine.org/know-your-rights/service-providers/
What do I do if someone in my community is detained?
- What if my loved one is detained? Know Your Rights: What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained.
- How can I find my detained loved one? Track detained person’s location.
- What if my loved one is detained at Cumberland County Jail (ME), Two Bridges Regional Jail (ME), or Strafford County Correctional Facility (NH)? Complete this form.
- What if my loved one is detained at Plymouth County Correctional Facility (MA) or Wyatt Detention Facility (RI)? Complete this form.
- How can I or someone I know who is detained obtain financial help (bail, bond, commissary, etc.)? Visit the Maine Immigrant Resource Hub.
Based on what we know now, how can communities respond?
- Support Lewiston: On-the ground support will be needed in Lewiston. Make sure to obtain permits if needed for protests and take all steps to comply with local laws and remain peaceful. Use visuals and photos and amplify on social media and to the press. However, please be cautious about sharing photos of people’s faces without consent and take other steps necessary to protect each other.
- Document ICE Activity: Minneapolis organizations report that in addition to enforcement against refugees and Somali immigrants, other people on the street are being profiled and indiscriminately targeted. Strategize on ways to help keep people safe.
Make sure you know your rights regarding filming an ICE arrest or encounter: Filming Immigration Enforcement in the U.S.
Report what you’ve seen to Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline at 207-544-9989
Try to remember the SALUTE acronym when reporting:
- S: Size (How many agents?)
- A: Actions (What are they doing?)
- L: Location and direction
- U: Uniform or clothing
- T: Time and date
- E: Equipment, including vehicles and license plates
Complete this form if you believe an immigration officer has violated someone’s rights.
Share footage with the press as is strategic and consider the consent and safety of people you’re filming.