New Manual Released to Help Immigrants Face ICE Raids and Deportations in the U.S.

Manual to face immigration raids

Immigrants’ rights explained

Strategies against deportation

Amid an increase in immigration enforcement operations, Make the Road New York introduced an updated version of its Manual for Defense Against Deportation.

The document aims to provide clear tools for undocumented immigrants so they can understand their rights when facing detentions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The guide is available in both Spanish and English and was presented during a press conference as part of a community information strategy.

The organization explained that this update responds to the need to strengthen preparedness in the face of arrests and deportation proceedings.

A resource born during a time of mass immigration raids

New Manual to Face Immigration Raids – Photo: Shutterstock

The first version of the manual was published in 2017, during a period marked by numerous immigration arrests.

At that time, the organization dealt with multiple detention cases, which led to the creation of a practical resource for the immigrant community.

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Now, although it maintains its original structure divided into three sections, the content has been reviewed and expanded.

According to Mexican activist Luba Cortés, a member of the organization, the new document is the result of “a tremendous effort” carried out by legal teams, immigrants, and allied groups “so that the information would be complete and useful for communities.”

What to do if ICE appears at home, work, or on the street

The first section of the ICE raid defense guide, titled “Know Your Rights!”, explains how to act when ICE agents show up at a home, in public spaces, or at a workplace.

The goal is for people to understand what officers can and cannot do during an enforcement operation.

The second section, “Rapid Response in Case of Raids,” provides guidance on how to help someone who has been detained.

It includes information on how to locate the person, how to visit them at a detention center, and how to begin searching for legal representation.

Legal defense and community organization

The third section, “Defense Against Deportation,” focuses on strategies to face an immigration court process.

It also provides guidance on organizing community campaigns against deportation, raising funds, and mobilizing support to prevent family separation.

The manual includes recommendations for immigrant parents on how to prepare a care plan for their children in case of detention.

It also offers information about necessary documents, judicial steps, and options for obtaining legal help and financial resources.

Testimonies that inspired the initiative

During the presentation, organizers shared the experience of Yamil López, who was detained while leaving a court building.

The immigrant explained that he endured “five terrible months” in an ICE detention center in New Jersey and was psychologically affected by what he witnessed there.

After regaining his freedom and learning more about his rights, he said he was able to avoid further detentions during a later raid.

“I was there, and with what I knew I didn’t allow ICE to enter the rooms of the house to search for other immigrants who were not on their list,” he recalled.

Update of the Manual for Defense Against Deportation in response to an ongoing situation

Luba Cortés explained that, despite promises made to immigrant communities, arrests of undocumented people have continued.

For that reason, she said it was essential to update the content of the manual to reflect the current reality.

The organization emphasizes that information can make a critical difference during moments of crisis.

With this new edition, Make the Road New York is promoting community legal education as a key tool against deportation, according to reports from La Opinión and the organization itself.