What undocumented immigrants should do if they are stopped by police in Texas
Learn about undocumented immigrants' rights if they are stopped by police. What the ACLU and a lawyer say.
2023-12-26T19:47:32+00:00
- What undocumented immigrants’ rights are.
- What to do if you are stopped by police.
- ACLU recommendations after SB4 passed in Texas.
The harsh new Texas immigration law, SB4, which will take effect in March, has sparked various reactions on social media.
Last Monday, the Texas governor signed the new law allowing police to detain people they suspect of entering the U.S. illegally.
Now many are wondering what to do if they are stopped by police.
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Immigration lawyer, Raed González shares what undocumented immigrants should do if they are stopped after SB4 goes into effect.
First, he said that it’s important to remain silent and not answer any questions other than giving your name and address.
In an interview with Univision, the lawyer emphasized that you should not give anyone any information regarding your immigration status.
It is essential to ask if you are being arrested or if you are free to leave.
Undocumented immigrants’ rights if stopped by police
Another thing to consider is what documents you are required to provide.
According Raed González, you should not carry fake cards or documentation, as this is a crime.
«On the contrary, you can say your name or your address, and that is how you identify yourself, but you do not have to talk about your nationality,» he stated.
Finally, the lawyer said that it is very important to request to speak with an immigration lawyer. We all have rights.
The importance of remaining silent
Even before Greg Abbott signed SB4, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) made several recommendations.
The ACLU shared what undocumented immigrants should do if they are stopped by police or other authorities.
If detained in a car, both the driver and the passenger have the right to remain silent.
Also, they do not have to answer questions about their immigration status.
Do not lie about your immigration status
On the other hand, the ACLU recommends that you don’t show any foreign identification or documentation.
You should not lie about your immigration status or present false documents. This is a serious crime.
In the event of an arrest, you must provide your name, address and date of birth. Again, there is no need to answer any other questions.
In conclusion, you must remain silent, don’t sign anything and don’t make any decisions until your lawyer is present.
Texas begins flying migrants to Chicago
According to The Associated Press, Texas sent a plane carrying more than 120 migrants from the southern U.S. border to Chicago.
This represents an escalation by Governor Greg Abbott in his bus transfer operation that has provided free trips to more than 80,000 migrants.
Chicago authorities have said that bus operators began trying to drop off passengers in neighboring cities to avoid penalties.
The White House criticized the flight and accused Abbott of using migrants for political purposes.
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