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Resources to Protect & Defend Immigrant Communities

February 21st, 2025 | Civic & Community Empowerment

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The Office of the Public Advocate understands this is a fraught time for immigrant communities and would like to reinforce its commitment to serve all New Yorkers, especially those who are most impacted by sweeping policy changes at the federal level. No matter your immigration or citizenship status, know that resources are available to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Know Your Rights

All New Yorkers, regardless of status, have rights. This is the most essential knowledge to have if you’re faced with an ICE raid or visit. Remain calm to the best of your ability and remember the following:

  • You don’t have to open the door for ICE unless they have a judicial arrest warrant.
  • You don’t have to consent to a search.
  • You have the right to remain silent. 
  • You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) offer a Know Your Rights and other resources booklet in English, Arabic, Bangla, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. We recommend that you print it and carry it with you at all times. If you don’t own a printer, you might be able to use one at your local public library in Manhattan/Bronx/Staten Island, Brooklyn or Queens.  

For more extensive Know Your Rights information, check the resources below:

Be Prepared and Get Your Documents in Order

No one wants to live in a perpetual state of alert, but that doesn’t mean you should not take certain precautions so as not to be caught off guard. Do not rely solely on your phone. Crucial information should always be written/printed on paper, in addition to digital copies. A few things you should have ready at all times:

  • Organize all your immigration paperwork and make copies. Original documents should be stored in a safe place. 
  • Carry a form of identification on your person.
  • If you have a medical condition, write all pertaining information down: medication, contact information for doctors, allergies etc.
  • Make a plan for childcare and have your child’s school contact information handy.
  • Have an emergency contact plan for both loved ones and legal representation.

For a more detailed Emergency Preparedness Toolkit, check the Immigrant Defense Project website. 

Seek Legal Support

If you can afford it, this is the time to look for a lawyer you can trust and who you can contact in case of an emergency. If a private lawyer is not possible, there are options available with a variety of nonprofits. Below are a few directories for New York City and national organizations that provide legal support:

Disclaimer: Due to the extreme need and high volume of requests, organizations may place you on a waitlist for their services, or not respond immediately.

Guidance for “Sensitive Locations”

For over two decades, the federal government has held a policy to avoid immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations,” such as schools, places of worship, and hospitals. In addition to offering lifesaving care, sensitive locations are also sites where immigrants find the community they need to stay strong. Understandably, many people are choosing to avoid such spaces due to the recent Department of Homeland Security’s revokement of the sensitive locations policy. That doesn't mean immigration laws don't apply to these spaces, though. Learn more below:

Resources for Young People, Families, and Educators

Tools for Workers, Workplaces, and Unions

Available Trainings and Resource Events

Below you’ll find a non-exhaustive list of in-person and virtual trainings for immigrant New Yorkers and allies.

Be an Ally

As a bystander and ally to immigrants, there are things you can do if you witness a situation of legal abuse, and to prepare your communities generally by sharing resources. Here’s how to best help an immigrant community member before, during, or after an ICE raid:

More Resources

To stay informed and avoid misinformation, we recommend following the organizations listed above, and other trusted advocacy groups, and signing up for their newsletters.

This blog post was approved by our General Counsel. It does not constitute legal advice.

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