For Individuals & Families Facing Deportation Fear

You are not alone. Fear does not get the final word. Preparation is not panic—it is protection.

You have rights regardless of immigration status.

If ICE comes to your door:

You do not have to open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge
Ask them to slide the warrant under the door
Administrative ICE warrants are not enough

If stopped in public:

If detained:

Trauma note: Silence is not guilt; it is self-protection.

Creating a plan reduces fear and protects children

Create a simple Emergency Family Plan:

Write down:

For parents:

Reassure everyone in the family: Planning does not mean something bad will happen; it means your family is covered.

Store copies, not originals, in a safe place or digitally

Tip: Use a trusted person or encrypted digital storage.

Act quickly but calmly

Write down:
- Full name (as it appears on documents)
- Date of birth
- Country of origin
Find out:
- Where they are being held
- Their A-Number (if available)
Contact:
- Immigration lawyer
- Trusted advocacy organization
Do not share details publicly on social media without guidance

Fear of deportation is chronic stress and collective trauma. It is important to practice grounding skills.

Grounding tools (simple + effective):

For children:

Normalize emotions: Fear, anger, numbness, exhaustion; these are survival responses.

Do not go through this alone.

Encourage connection to:

Create a community phone tree for emergencies

Your life has value.

Your presence matters.

You are more than a status.

Preparation is an act of love.