Consulado General de México and attorneys are sharing important immigration information.
HOUSTON — With a crackdown on immigration, many families, both undocumented and those with legal status, are living in fear. Experts say knowing your rights is crucial.
Flooded with calls from people fearing deportation, many are stepping up to offer help and keep the public informed. As promised, President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders on immigration. Attorneys break down what you need to do now.
“Important they know their rights,” said Naimeh Salem, an immigration attorney.
So what are your rights if you are detained by an immigration authority?
And here’s the advice she’s giving her clients…
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You don’t need to tell them where you are from or your immigration status.
- Ask for a phone call and contact your family or an immigration attorney.
- Don’t sign anything without your attorney looking at it, no matter what they tell you.
“I hear from my clients that they are telling them you are going to stay detained for years. You need to sign if not you are committing a crime. That is not true. That is optional if you want to sign deportation,” said Salem.
And finally, you don’t have to answer your door, unless they have an order signed by a judge.
“An officer can show you that paper through the window or under the door and you are protected,” said Salem.
As soon as you open the door you give them a right to search your property.
Local consulates are stepping in to help. The Mexican Consulate is offering free consultations with immigration attorneys for Mexican nationals.
“Una app digital cónsul app contigo,” said María Elena Orantes the Mexican Consul.
And this new app called ConsulApp Contigo. This allows you to put in your information and the info of three of your loved ones as emergency contacts.
If you’re detained, the ConsulApp Contigo will automatically notify your loved ones. Plus, in an emergency, you can press a button to send your exact location to both the consulate and your contacts. The goal is to help families in case their loved ones are detained.
Once detained by immigration, attorneys say the process can take up to two weeks. That’s why they urge families to have a plan: secure a reputable attorney and arrange care for your loved ones.