Editor, Journal:<\/b>\n<\/p>\n
In response to recent federal actions on immigration in our community, it is important for residents to access \u201cKnow Your Rights\u201d resources to understand their protections under the law. Every person in Illinois regardless of citizenship or immigration status has constitutional rights.\n<\/p>\n
The Illinois Attorney General\u2019s Office has issued clear guidance to help residents protect themselves and their families from unconstitutional or discriminatory actions. Key protections include:\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 You are not required to answer questions from police or immigration agents and may clearly state that you choose to remain silent.<\/p>\n
\u2022 You have the right to request an attorney and an interpreter before speaking or signing anything Immigration agents cannot enter your home unless they present a warrant signed by a judge; if the document is not signed by a judge, you can refuse entry.\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 If officers or agents force their way in, do not resist, instead calmly state that you do not consent to a search and wish to speak with an attorney.\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Carry valid identification and keep your immigration papers with you if you have them; you should never present false documents or information.\n<\/p>\n
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights can be contacted at 855-435-7693 (English, Spanish, Korean, and Polish languages available). This hotline can be used to report Trust Act violations, report ICE activity, receive support to locate someone in ICE custody, connect with an immigration attorney, and more.\n<\/p>\n
Additionally, the Illinois Immigration Hub at illinoisimmigrationinfo.org has important information including a \u201cknow your rights\u201d toolkit, what to do if a loved one has been detained, how to prepare for an ICE encounter, and how to make a family emergency plan.\n<\/p>\n
To protect yourself and your family, it is important to:\n<\/p>\n
Learn your rights and practice how you will respond in an encounter\n<\/p>\n
Create a family emergency plan that includes trusted contacts and child care arrangements\n<\/p>\n
Keep important documents in a safe and accessible place\n<\/p>\n
Memorize important phone numbers, including the ICIRR hotline\n<\/p>\n
Share this information with friends, family, and neighbors\n<\/p>\n
Community members should share these resources widely to ensure that all residents understand their rights and have access to the help they need.\n<\/p>\n
Name withheld upon request <\/b>\n<\/p>\n
Des Plaines<\/b>
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