Helping 

Neighbors LNK

Resources for Lincoln Families impacted by Immigration Enforcement Actions

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Helping Neighbors LNK supports Lincoln residents in the event of immigration enforcement action that disrupt the safety and security of local families. The Helping Neighbors LNK team is a comprised of local nonprofits, community partners, and has developed a plan to support local families with affected by immigration enforcement.

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If you see I.C.E. in the Lincoln Community:

If you see I.C.E. (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) in the community, make a credible report below. The Helping Neighbors LNK team will verify the information and share updates with local nonprofits, community centers, and partners. Serious inquiries only.

Help if you are Detained:

How to Find Someone After an ICE Arrest:

Search the Online Detainee Locator System [Locator.ice.gov]

  • Enter the persons A# or USCIS # and Country of Birth

  • If they don't have a A# or USCIS # they can be searched by their biographic data

  • Cannot search for minors under 18.

  • Initial updates are not made until at least 48 hours after the arrest.

Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) Detainee Assistance Hotline

If you or a loved one are in ICE custody in Nebraska or Southwest Iowa, you can contact CIRA’s Detainee Assistance Hotline to be screened for eligibility to have an immigration bond set and possible defense against removal.

  • By Phone (402) 884-0876

    1. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST

    2. Leave a voicemail during office hours, and they will return your call.

Please Note:

  • CIRA is not the detainees attorney.

  • We cannot guarantee that a pro bono attorney will be available.

  • We encourage anyone in ICE custody to seek legal representation from a qualified immigration attorney or a DOJ accredited representative if they are able.

Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.

  • If encountered by law enforcement or ICE agents, it is best to stay calm. Do not argue, resist, run, or obstruct the officer.

  • You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police officers, immigration agents or other law enforcement officials.

  • DO NOT CLAIM TO BE A US CITIZEN IF YOU ARE NOT ONE

  • DO NOT SHOW FALSE DOCUMENTS

  • DO NOT carry any foreign identification on your person

  • DO carry USCIS receipts, employment authorization cards, or lawful permanent residence cards as proof of status.

Silhouettes of a family holding hands walking outdoors at sunset, overlayed with a transparent American flag.

Know Your Rights!

Remember, all people in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, have rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws. Make sure you know your rights if you are approached by police or ICE. Review the information below to help you understand what your rights are and what to do in different situations.

Print-Out and Carry With You

Download, print, cut-out and carry this card with you. You can share these cards with family to inform them if their constitutional rights.

Close-up of the U.S. Constitution with part of the American flag in the background.

What if Situations…

    • Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.

    • Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.

    • Ask if they have a [warrant] signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.

    • Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”

    • Do not lie or produce any false documents.

    • Do not sign anything without speaking with a lawyer or accredited representative first.

    • Remain silent. Say “I invoke my right to remain silent.”

    • Stay calm and do not run.

    • Say: “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.”

    • If they start to search the home: “I do not consent to your search.”

    • Do not lie or share where a loved one is

      • Do not give out their phone number. – Ask for ICE to leave contact information.

    • Do not give documents (passports, consular IDs).

    • Do not interrupt an arrest.

    • Tell ICE if you or your loved one has medical issues or needs childcare. 

    • Write down or record what happened. It could help the case.

    • Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Stay in your car, turn on your hazard lights, interior lights if it’s dark, open the window partially, and place your hands on the wheel.

      • Determine who has pulled you over:  

        • A. If it is a local law enforcement officer who has pulled you over (like a state patrol, police officer, or sheriff), provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance on request. If you do not have any of these documents, do not provide officers with fake documents and do not lie.  

        • B. If it is an ICE officer, first ask if you are free to leave. If you are free to leave, calmly and slowly leave the area. If you are not free to leave, invoke your right to remain silent by informing the officer of your intent to remain silent. 

          • The officer may ask you to provide proof of registration. If the officer asks, you may need to provide USCIS receipts, employment authorization documents, or lawful permanent residence cards. 

        • C. Unless an ICE officer asks you to provide proof of registration, do not provide any officer with information on your immigration status or how/when you came to the U.S. 

      • Regardless of who pulls you over:

        • Do not show false documents

        • Do not carry foreign identification with you

      • The police cannot search your car without a warrant.

      • Do not consent to the police searching the vehicle.

        • Say “I do not consent to a search”

      • The driver, along with the passengers, has the right to remain silent.

        • Say “I invoke my right to remain silent.”

    • Ask for a [warrant] and check to see if your name is on it and is spelled correctly. 

    • You have the right to remain silent (5th Amendment):  

      • A warrant does not require you to answer questions from officers;  

      • Remain silent. Say, “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”  

    • ▪ If you are detained, you have the right to speak with a lawyer: 

      •  Say, “I want to speak to a lawyer”;  

    • If you are arrested on a criminal matter that carries possible jail time (i.e., by local police), you have the right to have a lawyer appointed to you if you cannot afford a lawyer; 

      •  If you are detained by immigration officials, you have the right to consult an immigration attorney, but a lawyer will not be appointed to you so you must find your own.  

      • If you are detained, you have the right to make a phone call:

        • You must affirmatively ask to make the phone call. 

      • You have the right to refuse to communicate with officers and to refuse to sign any document before speaking to a lawyer. 

    • Do not sign anything. 

    • Do not consent to being searched – verbally say, “I do not consent to being searched”. 

    • Remain silent – if you choose to speak, do not lie.

    • Show your valid immigration documentation or copy of your pending process.

    • Ask for a warrant and check to see if your name is on it and is spelled correctly.

    • Do not sign anything.

    • Do not consent to being searched – verbally say, “I do not consent to being searched”.

    • Do not run or resist.

    • ICE Lies: Do not agree to do what ICE asks. For example, do not follow them to their office, to immigration offices like USCIS, or to meet them for coffee.

    • Do not resist arrest, say you wish to remain silent.

    • Do not say anything, sign anything or make any decisions without legal representation.

    • You have the right to make a local phone call.

    • Do not sign any document that you do not understand.

    • Activate your emergency plan.

How to help as an ally

    • ICE often commits I-9 (legal employee verification) raids during business hours.

    • Employers usually receive 72 hours’ notice to provide requested documents.

    • ICE is limited by the judicial warrant and cannot extend past that.

    • Employers, employees, and patrons have the right to remain silent.

    • Lawful Permanent Resident (green card) holders must always have their card on them.

    • Have a private property sign outside the property in a visible location. ICE must have a warrant to enter any private property.

    • Document everything.

  • In the case that your coworkers do not read or speak English.

    • Read the [warrant] carefully to determine if the warrant is valid. Remember that the warrant must be signed by a judge.

    • Inform those being approached by ICE agents: Remind them of their right to remain silent, not answer questions, and not sign any documents without legal counsel.

    • Offer emotional support: Provide a calm presence and let individuals know they are not alone.

    • Document the raid: Note the names and badge numbers of officers involved, time of the raid, and any other relevant details.

    • Share contact information: If possible, ask for contact information from those being detained to help loved ones and attorneys.

    • You have the right to document ICE agents.[NYCLU] 

    • You have a right to protest and document at a residence or business if the owner hasn't asked you to leave.

    • You cannot legally get in the way of ICE or law enforcement activities.

    • You don't have to answer ICE questions.

      • If an agent starts to ask questions, ask “Am I being detained?”

      • If you are not, you are free to leave.

      • If you are, invoke your right to remain silent and demand the right to speak to an attorney. 

    • Video recording- Remember to record badge numbers, license plates. Focus on ICE agents and not the people being detained. 

      • If possible, record any signs of brutality, racial discrimination, homophobic slurs, verbal threats, etc.

Sample Warrants

Officers must have a judicial warrant — signed and dated by a judge — to enter your home or workplace. Below are examples of invalid and valid warrants.

SAMPLE WARRANT WHERE I.C.E CANNOT ENTER YOUR HOME OR WORKPLACE

A blank U.S. Department of Homeland Security warrant form titled 'Warrant for Arrest of Alien', with handwritten notes and highlights indicating it is an ICE Administrative Arrest Warrant, not signed by a judge, with various checkboxes and signature lines.
Immigration Detainer Notice of Action form, not signed by a judge

SAMPLE WARRANT WHERE I.C.E CAN ENTER YOUR HOME OR WORKPLACE

A judicial search warrant document issued by the United States District Court, labeled 'Judicial Warrant', signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge, and containing highlighted sections with instructions and legal information.
Three cartoon people collaborating on a project with a large calendar or planning board, sticky notes, and a giant pencil, symbolizing teamwork and planning.

Be Ready

Keep copies of your immigration documents in your house, shared online and or with someone who you trust.

  • Do not carry foreign identification cards or passports on your person.

  • Memorize your A# (if you have one) and share it with someone you trust.

  • Consult with an immigration attorney or representative to see if you are eligible for immigration status.

  • If you are a permanent resident, consider applying for US citizenship.

  • Follow the laws and always be cautious of your surroundings.

    • Follow all traffic laws, keep valid motor vehicle insurance.

    • DO NOT drink and drive.

    • DO NOT use any altering substance and drive.

Make a Child Care Plan -

  • Choose a trusted adult to make medical and legal decisions for your children if you are detained. Preferably a U.S. citizen or person with a valid immigration status. 

    • Temporary Delegation of Parental Powers.

  • Identify your emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers.

  • Provide or update your child’s school or daycare with an emergency contact to pick up your child. 

  • Write down medications, allergies, or medical conditions of your children, and provide the list to your emergency contact.

  • [Children related forms]

Government Sites

  • Icon of handcuffs with a chain linking them.

    How to find loved ones after an ICE arrest

    Search the Online Detainee Locator System

    Locator.ice.gov

    ‣ Enter the persons A# or USCIS # and Country of Birth

    ‣ If they don't have a A# or USCIS # they can be searched by their biographic data

    ‣ Cannot search for minors under 18.

    ‣ Initial updates are not made until at least 48 hours after the arrest

  • Icon of balanced scales representing justice or law.

    How to check on your Immigration Court Case

    By phone (automated machine)

    ‣ Call 1-800-898-7180

    ‣ You will be asked to select your language and to provide your A#.

    ‣ If your A# or USCIS # is not yet in the system it means you have not been given a hearing date and you should call weekly to check on your case

    Online

    ‣ Go toACIS.EOIR.JUSTICE.GOV

    ‣ Enter your A#

  • Icon of a document with a magnifying glass, representing search or analysis.

    How to check on your USCIS application

    ‣ Go to the USCIS Case Status

    ‣ Find your receipt number: This 13-character code can be found on your receipt notice (I-797C) or in the email you received from USCIS.

    ‣ Enter the receipt number: Make sure to enter the number without any dashes.

    ‣ Check the status: The system will display the latest action taken on your case, next steps, and other relevant information.

Important Documents

Print your own Know Your Rights Cards

Download, print, cut-out and carry this card with you. You can share these cards with family and friends. This card informs you of your constitutional rights.

Family Preparedness

Ensure those you designate to care for your children in your absence have everything they need by completing, saving, and printing a copy of this information for each child in your household. Having a clear plan in place allows a trusted adult to step in if you're unable to, and should include emergency numbers, key contact information, and a file with important documents.

Essential Documents to Carry

Keep a physical file of these documents or a copy of these documents in a safe place. Tell your children, family members, and emergency contact where to find this file in an emergency.

Nebraska Forms

Legal forms that grant temporary authority over your children and vehicles are useful in case something unexpected happens to you. These are intended as short-term solutions, so it's important to create a plan for more long term arrangements.

The Nebraska State Capitol building with a tall central tower and surrounding lower structure, clear blue sky, and green grass and small shrubs in front.

Legal Resources:

  • Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) Detainee Assistance Hotline

    • Please call (402) 884-0876

      • Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST

      • Leave a voicemail during office hours, and they will return your call.

      • Fill out the [intake form] and email to detaineeintake@ciraconnect.org or mail it to the following address:

      • CIRA – Detainee Intake 4223 Center Street  Omaha, NE 68105

  • Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA)

    • For questions: (402) 471-1777

    • Fill out an intake in person (3047 N 70th St Lincoln, NE 68507) or online in order to be scheduled with a legal representative. [Intake form]

  • Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH)

    • 1-855-307-6730

      • Free and confidential screening for immigration assistance.

        • Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST

        • Press 9 to leave a voicemail during office hours, and they will return your call

  • Freedom For Immigrants (FFR): While in detention call 9233#

  • Pro Bono Attorneys: [coming soon]

  • Consulates:

Mobile Apps to Have

Logo with circles and swirl design, showing the text 'ConsulApp Contigo' in the center.

ConsulApp Contigo:

  • Available on Apple and Android

  • For Mexican nationals only

  • Lets you know of your rights

  • List resources

  • Button for users to alert their emergency contacts and nearest consulate that they’re facing detention.

  • Users can also use the app to schedule an appointment to seek passport services and find the closest Mexican consulate.

Design with the letters 'KyR' in blue, a small bird perched on the letter 'Y', and decorative blue and gold accents in the corners.

Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants:

  • Available on Apple and Android

  • Multiple languages

  • Lets you know of your rights

  • Legal Directory

  • Prepare Your Family

  • Button for users to alert their emergency contacts that they’re facing detention

  • Resources