How to Protect Your Children During an ICE Raid: A Guide for Parents

As a parent, one of your greatest concerns is what will happen to your children if ICE detains you. The uncertainty and fear can be overwhelming, but there is something you can do: prepare yourself and your children. A well-thought-out action plan can make the difference between chaos and an organized response.

Below, we explain step by step how to protect your children in the event of an ICE raid or detention, with practical examples for you to implement.

1. Teach Them Their Rights Practically

It’s important that children, regardless of their age, know their rights so they know how to act if they encounter ICE agents. The key is to explain them simply and practically.

• Example 1: Not Opening the Door
  If ICE comes to your house, they cannot enter without a court-signed order. Teach your children what to do with a simple exercise:
  • Have them play as ICE agents knocking on the door.
  • Teach them to look through the window or use the peephole without opening.
  • Instruct them to ask through the door: “Do you have a court-signed order?”
  • Practice together saying: “I cannot open the door without my parents present.”
• Example 2: Right to Remain Silent
  If ICE detains a child, they should know they are not obligated to answer questions. Teach them with a simple phrase they can repeat: 🗣 “I don’t want to talk without my lawyer or family present.”
• 💡 Tip: Use role-playing games to practice these situations without scaring them.

2. Prepare a Family Emergency Plan

If ICE detains the parents, the children should know what to do and whom to approach. Having an established plan avoids confusion and ensures their safety.

• Example 1: Create an Emergency Card
  Have each child carry a card with key information, such as:
  • Full name
  • Emergency contact number of a relative or friend
  • Home address
  • Contact of an immigration lawyer or advocate
• Example 2: Who Will Pick Them Up if You Can’t
  If you don’t arrive to pick up your children from school or daycare, do they know whom to call? Ensure the school has registered a person authorized to pick them up.
• 💡 Tip: Practice with them what to do if you don’t arrive for them. Ask the trusted person to pick them up one day so they become familiar.

3. Keep Legal Documents Organized

If something happens, the trusted person who will care for your children will need certain documents.

• Example 1: Folder of Essential Documents
  Prepare a folder with copies of:
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports or IDs
  • Health insurance cards
  • Emergency contacts
  • Power of attorney authorizing someone to care for your children in your absence
• Example 2: Memorize a Contact Number
  Children may lose their cell phones or not have access to them. Ensure they memorize at least one phone number of a trusted relative or friend.
• 💡 Tip: Post a sheet with these numbers on the refrigerator and review it regularly with them.

4. Provide Emotional Support to Your Children

Fear and anxiety can affect children. It’s crucial that they feel protected and understood.

• Example 1: How to Explain the Situation Without Scaring Them
  Instead of saying: ❌ “If ICE comes, we might be separated,” try saying: ✔️ “There are people who love us and will help us if we’re ever not together. We’ll always stay connected.”
• Example 2: Create a Safety Word
  Teach your child a secret word or phrase that only you know, so they can use it in case of emergency. Example of a secret phrase: “Mom asked me to call you to go with you.”
• 💡 Tip: Use stories or drawings to explain these topics in a more friendly way.

5. Connect with Support Networks

You are not alone. Many organizations and people can help you in case of an emergency.

• Example 1: Have an Attorney’s Contact Handy
  If ICE detains you, an attorney can help protect your rights and those of your children. Ask in your community for support groups that offer legal assistance.
• Example 2: Inform and Share
  If you have information about immigrants’ rights, share it with other parents at school, church, or in the community.
• 💡 Tip: Attend community workshops to learn more about how to protect your family.

6. What to Do if ICE Detains a Parent

If ICE detains one or both parents, the children should follow the agreed plan:

• Example 1: Activate the Emergency Plan
  • Call the trusted person.
  • Stay in a safe place.
  • Do not answer questions without an adult present.
• Example 2: What to Do if They Are at School
  Talk to the school and provide in writing who is authorized to pick up your children in case of emergency.
• 💡 Tip: Print and hand over copies of this authorization to the trusted person.

Conclusion: Prevention is the Best Protection

The fear of separation is real, but with preparation, you can give your children security. Teach them their rights, make a plan, organize documents, and provide emotional support.

🔴 Share this information with other parents so more families are prepared. Together we are stronger. 💚⚖️