How to Prepare for Mass Deportations Today

4 easy steps that will educate, prepare and help you take action

Trump is coming in with a bang, and it’s mass deportation.

Since this week will be a time of information overload, this is a quick guide to help you, your friends, and your family prepare for what’s to come. This is especially true for tomorrow when large-scale deportation raids will hit cities like Chicago.

Step 1: What is happening exactly?

ICE officers are slated to target more than 300 people in Chicago, reportedly focusing on those with “histories of violent crimes.” The raid starts tomorrow (Tuesday) and will last all week. ICE is sending anywhere from 100 to 200 officers to carry out the operation.

The biggest issue is that Chicago has been the nation’s third-largest sanctuary city since the 1980s. This is supposed to limit police cooperation with ICE agents, but depending on how this week’s raids go, we’ll see how much these “sanctuary” cities actually serve a purpose. Trump’s “border tsar” also claims that it’s unclear where these operations might be, so they could also happen in locations other than Chicago.

Step 2: Response guideline…

HERE is a Know Your Response flyer created and posted on the Chicago government’s website. But here are some of the basics:

1. People impacted need to prepare by having all of their documents ready. Any immigration documents, such as letter notices from USCIS or DHS, can help a detainee’s legal representative assemble their immigration history. Birth certificates, passports, deeds, insurance policies, tax documents, medical and school records, and any arrest or conviction records should also be prepared. DO NOT FAKE ANY LEGAL DOCUMENTS. The US is very unforgiving to people who do that.

2. Stay calm during the raid and document everything you can, including unlawful ICE actions, license plates, and other identifying features. Remember: you do not need to provide personal information about birth or entry to ICE agents.

3. REMAIN SILENT. Ask for a lawyer, and do not say anything until legal representation shows up. Refuse search without probable cause. You are not required to open the door to ICE agents unless presented with a valid search warrant signed by a judge. No warrant? No door opening.

4. After the raid, everyone should act quickly. Contact your legal representative. Notify family members and others in the area who the raids may also impact.

5. The detainee also has the right to make a private phone call when detained, and the police cannot listen in. If you fear persecution upon returning to your home country, immediately inform the immigration officers and contact a lawyer.

Step 3: Chicago resources…

• If you believe ICE detained someone, you can search for them in the ICE locater HERE. You will need the person’s A number or their date of birth and place of birth.

• Chicago Legal Protect Fund offers free legal immigration services. For a free consultation, call 312-660-1370 or visit their website HERE.

• The Resurrection Project set up a hotline to help families if affected by an ICE raid, and it’s 855-435-7693

• If you are detained or need to call for help for someone that is, the National Immigration Justice Center has:

  • The number for detained immigrants call collect at 312-583-9721

  • To make an appointment for any immigration issues, call 312-660-1370. The line is open for appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

  • For the Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights family support network and hotline, call 1-855-435-7693

• Other miscellaneous resources:

  • Chicago Food Bank HERE

  • Mental health resources focusing on trauma and immigration experience HERE

  • City’s Emergency Rental Assistance HERE

Step 4: What you can do to help…

• Become educated like you are now by reading this much of this article! With that being said, there are some other excellent resources I can direct you to. These people are independent and have dedicated their lives to a good cause. (Not some crazy tech oligarch or billionaire money-hungry societal stain):

  • Let’s Address This with Qasim Rashid (substack Newsletter)

  • Ghassan Shamieh (immigration lawyer with daily video updates via insta)

  • United We Dream (great org with resources via Instagram)

• Look up local non-profits and offer to volunteer or donate as much as you can afford. It seems pretty simple and common sense, but many people forget that these non-profits depend on small donors, too!

• Reach out to your federal reps (Congress/Senate) and remind them that you do not support ICE raids. It might seem like nothing, but they do listen to public pressure (sometimes)

Bonus: LIES about undocumented people that aren’t true

In the spirit of education, let’s go through some of them:

“They don’t pay taxes…”

Undocumented immigrants contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy through sales taxes, property taxes, and income taxes. Many undocumented workers file tax returns using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs). Some even pay Social Security taxes without being able to access benefits.

“They’re all criminals”

Most undocumented people are law-abiding residents who contribute to their communities. According to studies, immigrants are generally less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.

“They can get automatic citizenship if they have a baby in the US”

While children born in the U.S. are automatically U.S. citizens, this does not give their parents automatic citizenship or legal status. Undocumented parents must still go through the legal process to adjust their immigration status.

“They’re a burden to our economy.”

Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the U.S. economy through labor, taxes, and consumption. They help maintain vital industries and support the economy’s growth, particularly in sectors that rely on low-wage labor.

To wrap it all up…

The large-scale deportation raids planned for this week represent a significant escalation in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy, with Chicago as a focal point. While these raids are said to target individuals with violent criminal histories, the potential for disruption extends far beyond those directly involved.

This is a time for individuals to stay informed, prepared, and calm in the face of these raids, knowing their rights and available resources. By understanding the proper steps to take during a raid, seeking legal help, and utilizing local organizations, affected communities can better navigate the challenges ahead.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember that our collective response can influence the broader conversation on immigration policy and the treatment of vulnerable populations in our society.