What do I do if I am stopped by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer?

If you are stopped by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in South Carolina, it is important to stay calm and remain respectful. First, you should show the officer your identification if asked. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should show the officer any documentation you have that proves your immigration status. The officer will ask you questions and may ask to search your belongings. You can remain silent, but if you answer questions, be honest. You have a right to not answer certain questions, but it is best to remain polite and respectful. If you are arrested, you have a right to speak with a lawyer. You may call a family member or friend to let them know what has happened. ICE must give you the phone number for the nearest Legal Orientation Program. This program helps immigrants with their legal rights and can provide assistance in certain cases. It is important to remember that deportation orders may not be enforced immediately and can take weeks, months, or even years. ICE officers in South Carolina are required to follow certain procedures, so be aware of your rights and be prepared. If you have any questions, talk to a lawyer who specializes in immigration law in your state.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

Si usted es detenido por un oficial de la Oficina de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE), es importante que mantenga la calma. Primero, verifique si el oficial presenta identificación oficial. Pregunte por el motivo por el que está siendo detenido. Usted tiene el derecho de saberlo. No está obligado a responder preguntas sobre su estado migratorio. Si es detenido, no rehúse responder preguntas sobre su nombre y dirección, pero de ninguna manera acceda a hablar sin primero llamar a su abogado. Usted también tiene el derecho a no firmar nada sin el consejo de un abogado. Si le están acusando de ser indocumentado, no firme una agenda de salida, pues esto significará que está aceptando su propia deportación. Obtenga inmediatamente la ayuda de un abogado que esté familiarizado en leyes de inmigración. De acuerdo a la ley de Inmigración de Carolina del Sur, las autoridades no tienen el derecho de detener a una persona solamente por motivos de inmigración, a menos que presenten una orden de arresto judicial. Si usted cree que fue detenido ilegalmente, debe informar inmediatamente a un abogado.

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