Embedded Files
Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is a federal agency, the local Acton and Boxborough police are not - the local police follow Massachusetts state law (which to date has not changed, still in line with Massachusetts state law of Lunn vs the Commonwealth). Local police do not collect immigration information.
Amid increased immigration enforcement activity across Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released a ‘Know Your Rights’ guide (with Q&A) designed to help immigrants, families, and communities understand their rights and the basic legal framework for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.
Know Your Rights! It is important to know that whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a student on a visa, or of uncertain status, no matter what your status is, you have legal rights. Find resources in multiple languages here: https://miracoalition.org/news/know-your-rights/ @miracoalition . Printable "Know your Rights "Red" Cards" in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Creole
Download the "KYR" - 'Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants' app (as seen on miracoalition.org)! This app is available in 16 languages and it has the ability to read your rights out loud to an ICE or law enforcement agent and send a message to an emergency contact. It has other resources as well such as the ability to look up a consulate and a sample family preparedness plan.
Available for both iPhone and Android phones.
iPhone https://apps.apple.com/us/app/know-your-rights-4-immigrants/id6740367633 or Search in the appstore for "Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants" (white icon with diagonally KYR in blue)
Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nakasec.chunk
Information about the app is here
The ACLU.org website shows different scenario's that you might encounter as an immigrant, and for each it explains how to reduce risk for yourself, what your rights are, what to expect, and additional resources.
You can find the Know Your Rights flier in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and more languages here (under "1. printable resources").
You can find video's here (scroll down) in multiple languages with info on what to do for multiple scenario's related to ICE
You can find wallet cards on what to do if stopped by FBI or ICE here (English)
Other Know Your Rights resources:
You can contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office - Civil Rights Division at 617 963 2917 or at mass.gov/ago/immigrantresources to file a complaint or to find more resources on your rights, housing and health care. They will not ask about your immigration status. They advocate and are a resource for all the people of Massachusetts.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ilrc.org) provides immigration legal trainings and educational materials etc. You can print the "red cards" (Know Your Rights cards) in 16 languages from here.
Lawyers for Civil Rights (based in Boston) has Know Your Rights fliers (English, Spanish), and a flier for employers on rights during a raid. (English)
The website wehaverights.us has video's for the community on what the community can do in different situations.
You can find the State of Massachusetts information for immigrants here. Protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are enshrined in the Massachusetts Constitution and the Massachusetts school policies (DESE Regulations and Curriculum Frameworks)
See Something, Say Something - LUCE Hotline
See Something, Say Something - LUCE Hotline
Report ICE activity to the LUCE hotline 617 -3 7 0 - 5 0 2 3. Luce volunteers will come to the site to support the detainees in exercising their rights. This is a resource for ALL in the community. We deserve to know what is real and not real. Fliers in all languages here.
More information at lucemass.org (including how to volunteer).
Planning Guides for Immigrant Families with Uncertain Immigration Status
Planning Guides for Immigrant Families with Uncertain Immigration Status
Masslegalhelp.org has a good video in English and Spanish and good tips on how to plan for who will care for your children in an emergency
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ilrc.org) has clear Family Preparedness Plans in English, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The State of Massachusetts has guides for parents who may be concerned about the care and custody of their children in the event of sudden detention or deportation by federal immigration officials (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole)
Other resources:
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ilrc.org) provides immigration legal trainings and educational materials etc.
Lawyers for Civil Rights (based in Boston) has an action plan for families to plan for their children in case of separation (English, Spanish)
Nonprofits Helping with Immigration Legal Services
Nonprofits Helping with Immigration Legal Services
Lawyers for Civil Rights (based in Boston) has an Immigrant Defense Hotline at 617-988-0606. It is providing timely and free legal advice for immigrants facing imminent threats related to immigration enforcement. Callers who leave a message will receive a same-day response to questions about immigration enforcement and reports of immigration raids. You can also reach the hotline via email: hotline@lawyersforcivilrights.org.
The International Institute of New England (IINE) - iine.org - has a mission to welcome, aid, educate, employ, and naturalize New England’s refugees and immigrants. They provide immigration legal services for Acton and Boxborough residents - more info here. They have an office in Lowell (978.459.9031) and in Boston (617.695.9990).
For certain eligible Acton residents under age 60, Metrowest Legal Services provides free legal immigration help. Fill in the form here to check if you're eligible (if you're not, you will still get info on other resources). (508) 620-1830
For certain eligible Acton and Boxborough residents age 60 and up, Greater Boston Legal Services provides free legal immigration help. (617) 371-1234
Metrowest Worker Center Inc. / Casa Do Trabalhador / Casa del Trabajador - mwc-casa.org - provides also orientation around Immigration-related matters and provides connections with legal aid consultants for immigration related matters. (508) - 532 - 0575 casa@mwc-casa.org
miracoalition.org/resources/legal-services has the list of organizations providing immigration legal help. Ensure you only work with people with an accreditation certificate. mass.gov/immigrationscams has tips on how to avoid fraud when seeking immigration legal services.
Mass Legal Help: free, practical information about your legal rights in Massachusetts.
Legal Services for those in immigration court: List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers (created by Boston Immigration Court)
Legal Services Outside of MA: Immigration Advocates Network Legal Directory
MIRA folder with resources for immigrants (including benefits)
MIRA Immigration helpline for all MA based providers : 508 293 1871
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