Information and Resources Regarding the Trump Administration Immigration Directives
In the opening weeks of the new administration, President Trump has issued a range of directives regarding immigration issues, including a ramp up of deportations of undocumented residents by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. For a complete list of Executive Orders visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/
KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS
The Immigration Legal Resource Center created cards to be printed for anyone to use in the event of an ICE raid. The cards can be found here: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas. The text reads as follows:
You have constitutional rights:
- DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
- DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
- DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
- If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
- GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.
I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution. I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door. I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights. I choose to exercise my constitutional rights. These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.
Visit the https://ctlawhelp.org/en/self-help/536 site here for guidance on how to handle other deportation and detainment scenarios.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
There are several state resources available to families who are unsure how to handle situations that can impact their family unit and children. Read more below to learn about those resources:
- Connecticut’s Family Preparedness Plan: Families can review the online toolkit that provides information for how to prepare in the event a family member is deported is detained. The toolkit includes information about child care plan, templates for emergency contacts and other important details about children in the home, a guide related to having a Standby Guardian, and more. Use this link to access the toolkit: Immigration Resources: Family Preparedness Plan
- Connecticut State Department of Education has issued a Public Schools Immigration Enforcement Documentto every K-12 public school district: Families can review this document to understand the rights of their children in the school district and provides schools guidance for how to approach a situation in the event an ICE agent comes to the school.
- Connecticut Department of Children and Families provides the following website on information and resources on Undocumented Supports for families: V.I.T.A.L. Support for Undocumented Youth and families. Families and youth can review this website to get more information on topics related to Education, Legal Resources, Health, and National/General resources.
ADDITIONAL IMMIGRATION RESOURCES
- Immigrant organizations can answer questions or assist callers with planning their future immigration application process or check on a current application status. These agencies can be found at the link here: 2-1-1 Connecticut
- American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Connecticut – Program: Immigrant Rights Information and Resources
- Description: Advocacy rights group provides information and toolkits for individuals wanting to know their immigration rights under the law, when dealing with law enforcement agencies, in a variety of situations and encounters.
- Link here to the current ACLU Immigrants’ Resources Guide – Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Rights | ACLU of Connecticut
SOURCES: Connecticut State Department of Education; American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Connecticut; Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families; Connecticut Attorney General Office
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: February2025
