Organize your important documents
Personal documents
Your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, and your children’s birth certificates. If you or your family members have a medical or mental health condition, also keep those documents available.
Immigration documents
Any immigration-related documents, your “A number” if you have one (an identification number that begins with “A” and that immigration gives you if you ever have a case), and the name and contact information of any previous immigration attorney.
Criminal court documents
If you have ever been arrested, make sure you get a copy of the certificate of disposition for that arrest along with the name and contact information of your criminal attorney.
You can keep these documents in a locked box at home. It is important that neither you nor your family members give ICE your passport.
Keep a list of important phone numbers
- Carry a small card in your wallet with a list of important phone numbers of family members, previous lawyers, doctors, etc. Also include the contact information of someone who can be directly in touch with your future immigration lawyer.
- If an immigration or criminal attorney has ever represented you, keep a list of their name and contact information.
- Have the name and number of your organizer, if you have one, and make sure your family member calls them. We want to support your family during this time!
- You can also call the Immigrant Defense Project’s Hotline to let them know about this raid! (212) 725-6422