Williams to Immigrants Encountering Law Enforcement: 'Know Your Rights'

Over the weekend, Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA) and her office produced graphics directed at immigrants (she does not specify legal or illegal) dealing with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With President Donald Trump (R) facilitating raids against illegal immigrants across the country, the Georgia congresswoman reminds migrants to "know their rights" should they encounter ICE.

Rep. Williams released the following on both her social media and her Congressional website:

Williams to Immigrants on Social Media

Williams on Her Congressional Website

On Rep. Williams' congressional website she further outlines the steps to take if you are an "immigrant" that encounters ICE. This advice, Williams believes, is pertinent regardless of who is President of the United States, and regardless of legal status.

"As your Congressperson, I will continue to fight to defend the rights of ALL the people I represent, whether or not they are immigrants," Williams begins. "Additionally, the U.S. Constitution guarantees certain basic rights to everyone living in this country, even undocumented immigrants, no matter who is President."

She then adds the following directions:

If you are an immigrant, you should know your rights if you have an encounter with law enforcement or an immigration agent (ICE)

• You have the right to remain silent
• Do not sign any documents without consulting an attorney
• Do not grant permission to enter your home
• You have the right to ask “am I free to go?”
• If they arrest you, ask to speak with an attorney.
• Do not give the law enforcement officer any information voluntarily
• Do not share your immigration status or your place of birth
• Do not show or use any fraudulent documents or documents with a false name on them
• Ask to see a warrant before opening the door if an immigration officer comes to your home or work.

If an immigration officer or ICE comes to your home:

DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. If ICE does not have a warrant signed by a judge, they cannot enter your home.

• If an immigration agent wants to show you a warrant, they can show it through the window or slide it under the door.
• In order to be valid, the warrant must be signed by a judge and must have your correct name and address on it.
• You do not need to open the door to speak with the agent. If you open the door, you would be allowing ICE agents to force their way into your home.

If you have questions about immigration, call my office at (404) 659-0116.