SUPPORT
Our diocese and parishes will continue to offer the same great pastoral, sacramental and practical support as always to all members of the community. Additional support may be needed at this time, which concerned neighbors and Area Catholic Community leadership might consider. Examples include equipping the community on their rights, and families to be as safe and prepared as possible should the unthinkable happen and a family member be deported. Below are resources for immigrant individuals and families, and the parish communities that support them.
The most important things to know:
Are you worried about remembering your rights or saying the wrong thing when approached by immigration enforcement officers? “Red cards” are like a helpful business cards that you can hand to an officer if they approach you in public or slide under the door if they knock and begin to ask questions.
- It is important to remember if immigration agents do show up, everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status.
- Everyone has the right to remain silent. The right to remain silent is a legal right that protects people from being forced to give testimony that could incriminate themselves. It is a fundamental part of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
- The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Do not consent to a search at your home or business or parish unless presented with a lawful judicial warrant (one signed by a judge, not merely an administrative warrant). Do not allow them to enter your property without the proper warrant.
Print and share Know Your Rights (“red cards”) for yourself, family or community. (PDF download)
Imprima y comparta Conozca sus derechos (“tarjetas rojas”) para usted, su familia o su communidad.
Assist immigrant family members in calling their consulate emergency line or the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota to find out where a detained loved one has been sent:
- Mexican Consulate: 24/7 emergency line for those looking for a detained family member: Center for Information Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM) (note: this is a national line that will connect you to your local Mexican Consulate location): 1-855-463-6395 (calling from the US); 001-5206-237-874 (calling from Mexico)
- Immigrant Law Center of MN: DETENTION INTAKE: If you are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or calling on behalf of someone in the custody of ICE, please call 651-641-1011 during the following hours to receive assistance: Monday: 2 – 4 p.m., and Thursday: 1 – 3 p.m.
- Other nation’s nearest consulates can be found by selecting Minnesota from the drop down menu part-way down on the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)’s Emergency Preparedness website: https://www.cliniclegal.org/epif.
If immigration enforcement authorities do appear in your community, attempt to document the following information:
- Date and time of occurrence
- Did agents/officers provide a judicial warrant?
- Get a copy or photo of warrant or warrant number
- Identifying information of agents/officers involved (agency, name, credential or badge number)
- As many incident details as possible
- Take photographs, video or provide building surveillance footage if possible
- If possible, contact local immigration advocacy groups or legal aid organizations to provide support to those potentially affected by the raid.