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Ice on Immigration: Your rights and border stops

By L. Patricia Ice, Featured Columnist

Question:  I am an undocumented immigrant from Latin America.  I plan to take a bus from Mississippi to Texas, then take another bus to cross the border into Tamaulipas, Mexico, to go back home.  I have heard the U.S. Border Patrol agents are stopping buses near the border and making Mexican nationals an others sign documents that say we have been in the U.S. without authorization. If my bus is stopped by an agent, do I have to sign something if Border Patrol tells me to?

Answer:  No.  You do not have to sign anything you do not want to sign.  Furthermore, you should never sign anything you do not understand.  If a U.S. Border Patrol agent questions you in the United States, you have the right to just give your name and then remain silent.  It is up to immigration officials to determine your nationality, so you do not have to tell them your country of citizenship.  Just give your name, if he asks, and tell the Border Patrol agent that you cannot answer any more questions without your lawyer present.  Have the phone number of your lawyer or Bureau of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited representative with you, so that you can call if you need to.  Many immigrants become frightened when confronted by U.S. immigration or other law enforcement officials.  The best thing is to not panic and to remain silent, and give only your name if asked.  Otherwise, say nothing.

The Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) Internet web site has a video that instructs you how to remain silent and not sign anything if you are questioned by U.S. or other law enforcement officials.  Go to http:/www.chirla.org to locate the Know Your Rights video.  Please watch and study it with your friends, whether documented or not.