Understanding the potential challenges of immigration, including encounters with ICE and the possibility of deportation, is essential for the well being of hundreds of immigrant families. Staying informed about your rights and available resources can empower individuals and families to respond effectively to immigration-related situations. Table of Contents How to track where ICE was spotted Tips when dealing with ICE Preparing for the possibility of deportation How to track where ICE was spotted People over papers People over papers is hosted on padlet, a platform design to display content via a virtual bulletin board. This is a live map where anybody can report ICE raid sightings and locate ICE's latest locations. Every sighting is reviewed with video/ photo proof that is also posted on their slideshow tab for you to review on a daily basis. As an immigrant who may be at risk for deportation, enrolling for notifications would be crucial to protect yourself and your family. You can sign up to receive updated notifications through their activity tab by creating an account, all you need is an email address. If you happen to see ICE raiding and area, make sure to click on the purple plus sign at the bottom of the page and include as much detail as possible regarding what you saw. United We Dream Organization Call to check on local raids to the only nationwide ICE reporting hotline MigraWatch, created by the United We Dream Organization. Here are the following methods you can request that information: Call 1-844-363-1423 Send a text message to 877877 Tips when dealing with ICE Immigrant Defense Project's ICE Emergency Preparedness Emergency preparedness is critical, particularly in the context of immigration. Knowing your rights and the steps to take in an emergency can significantly reduce fear and confusion in stressful situations. The Immigrant Defense Project provides an informative infographic titled “ Emergency Preparedness ” that details essential steps for creating an emergency plan. This resource is vital for understanding what actions to take if you encounter immigration officers or law enforcement. Consider the following key elements when forming your plan: Create a list of emergency contacts, including trusted friends, family, and local resources. Identify safe places to go, such as community centers or trusted neighbors. Gather your important documents, such as your identification, immigration papers, and any legal documents. Preparing ahead can save time and provide peace of mind, allowing you and your loved ones to respond calmly and effectively during unexpected situations. Remember to download or print the other infographics published by the Immigrant Defense Project regarding how you and loved ones can protect yourselves against any type of ICE contact. *Remember that you can always tell an unmarked car by their license plate . If their license plate is ALL numbers and no letters, it is an unmarked government issued car. Proceed with caution! Click here to view the Immigrant Defense Projects info-graphics Emergency Preparedness | Preparación de emergencias ICE at my door | ICE en mi puerta ICE On The Streets | ICE en la calle ICE In My Home | ICE en mi casa When ICE Pulls You Over | Cuando ICE se detiene en auto ICE Car Stops FAQ | Preguntas frecuentes cuando ICE se detiene en auto Common ICE Ruses | Trucos Comunes de ICE Traveling at the Crossroads of Abortion & Immigration | Viajar en la encrucijada del aborto y la inmigración Preparing for the possibility of deportation The Immigration Preparedness Toolkit For those seeking a broader understanding, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides a detailed “ Immigration Preparedness Toolkit ”. This toolkit serves as a comprehensive repository of information and practical strategies tailored for individuals and families. Key components of the toolkit include: Explanations of your legal rights and how to assert them. Access to legal assistance options, ensuring you know where to turn for help. Information on community resources that can provide support during challenging times. This toolkit empowers you to take control of your situation and promote knowledge and resilience within your community. With clear steps, it ensures that individuals are informed instead of left in the dark regarding the intricacies of immigration processes. Take Action Now: Empower Yourself with Knowledge Navigating the complexities of immigration is a challenge, but with the right resources, you can prepare yourself and your community for emergencies. Understanding your rights, preparing an emergency plan, and knowing common ICE tactics are critical steps that can make a difference. By exploring and utilizing these resources, you arm yourself with essential knowledge that protects your rights and enhances your immigration experience. This investment in awareness and preparation builds resilience and fosters greater community support. Sharing these resources with others who might benefit from them is also important. When we promote understanding within our communities, we pave the way for a brighter future, regardless of immigration status or background.

Table of Contents The Important Role Education Plays for LGBTQ+ Immigrants Know Your Rights Hotlines The Important Role Education Plays for LGBTQ+ Immigrants For LGBTQ+ immigrants, being informed and educated is not just beneficial; it is essential for overcoming the unique challenges they face. Understanding legal rights and accessing available resources can empower individuals to assert their rights and seek justice, while navigating complex immigration processes can significantly impact their ability to secure safety and legal status. Building community connections fosters a sense of belonging, and being aware of local laws enhances personal safety. By continuing to read this blog, you will discover valuable insights and practical guidance that can lead to better outcomes in legal matters, personal safety, and overall well-being, ultimately paving the way for a more secure and fulfilling life in this country. Know Your Rights Immigration Equality Immigration Equality, a non-profit that advocates for LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive immigrants, provides a critical lifeline through its legal help services. They recognize that legal help is often just one piece of the puzzle. The organization offers a wealth of additional resources for immigrants, including connections to pro bono attorneys, educational materials about immigration law, and support for people currently in detention. For LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive individuals facing immigration challenges, Immigration Equality serves as a crucial resource, offering expert legal support and fighting to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and fairness in the immigration process. Please click on the following links to view their information: Asylum Eligibility People Living with HIV Detention Couples and Families Other Paths to Status Resources Hotlines National LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Legal Emergency Help General Inquiries Phone Number: 1-212-714-2904 Detention Inquiries Phone Number: 1-917-654-9696 Available Hours: Monday- Wednesday 9:30 - 5:30pm & Thursday 1:00 - 5:30pm For LGBTQ immigrants facing unique hurdles, the National LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Legal Emergency Help hotline provides specialized support. This hotline is especially important for individuals dealing with discrimination or legal challenges tied to their sexual orientation or gender identity. National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative Phone Number: 1-773-672-6551 Email:   lgbtimmigrants@heartlandalliance.org Available Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm  (central time zone) The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) focuses on providing support through its LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative. This hotline is crucial for low-income immigrants who identify as LGBTQ or are living with HIV. Experts understand the specific challenges these groups face and are committed to offering knowledgeable assistance. One important note , the NIJC is limited to taking cases in the Midwest, mostly helping those who are appearing before Chicago immigration courts. This limitation does not apply to detained individuals or those seeking assistance with an immigration court appeal. Don't give up, there is support out there In summary, education serves as a vital tool for LGBTQ+ immigrants, enabling them to navigate their new environments with confidence and security. By understanding their rights and available resources, they can advocate for themselves and build supportive communities. Organizations like Immigration Equality and the National LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Legal Emergency Help hotline play essential roles in providing the necessary legal support and guidance. As we continue to champion the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ immigrants, fostering educational opportunities remains key to their success and well-being.

In today's world, immigrants face significant hurdles. From legal battles to economic strain, the immigration landscape in the United States is fraught with challenges. Now, more than ever, it's crucial for communities to step up and provide meaningful support. This post explores valuable resources, practical ways to help, and highlights the importance of community engagement in addressing immigrant needs. Immigrants encounter various difficulties, including navigating complex legal systems, dealing with financial instability, and facing social prejudice. Organizations across the country are actively addressing these challenges by offering resources and support that improve the lives of immigrants and their families. By raising awareness of these resources, you can empower yourself and others to make a real difference. Table of Contents How/ Where to Donate Your Time Through Direct Involvement Making Donations to Support the Cause Advocate by Educating Yourself and Those Around You Report ICE Sightings and Raids Taking Action Together How/ Where to Donate Your Time Through Direct Involvement Foster US Kids Foster US Kids  aims to support immigrant children within the foster care system. This organization focuses on meeting the needs of youth, ensuring they receive education, healthcare, and emotional support. In 2020 alone, they helped nearly 2,000 children improve their lives through mentorship and resources. You can assist by volunteering your time or donating to help them create safe environments for these vulnerable children. However, if you are in a position to sign up as a foster placement, especially if you speak Spanish or another language, your impact will be far greater. Volunteer with Local Immigration Coalitions & Non-profits Local organizations like Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC)  offer numerous ways for you to volunteer. Opportunities can include providing language assistance, offering legal support, or mentoring immigrants as they adapt to their new surroundings. Volunteering not only benefits those in need but also fosters your understanding of the immigrant experience. Fortunately, CIRC is not the only coalition in the US. Google immigration coalitions/ immigration non-profits in your state and sign up to volunteer with them if you are not in the state of Colorado. This direct involvement will benefit the communities near you as you are directly helping through a hands-on approach. Making Donations to Support the Cause ACLU Action The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plays a critical role in protecting the rights of immigrants and all individuals. By supporting legislative changes and campaigns, the ACLU works to combat discrimination. So far this year, the ACLU has already brought legal actions against the trump administration." Immigrants’ rights advocates today sued the Trump administration over its executive order that seeks to strip certain babies born in the United States of their U.S. citizenship" ( ACLU, 2025 ). Donating to the ACLU not only funds important programs but also helps ensure a fairer legal system for all. You too could also support any future or current legal initiatives this organization is participating in to protect the rights of immigrants Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP) The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project provides free legal representation and social services to immigrants, including those detained in immigration detention centers and unaccompanied minors. Their legal services focus on helping individuals navigate the complexities of immigration law, including asylum applications, deportation defense, and family reunification. They also offer social services that address the emotional and practical needs of immigrants, helping them understand their rights and access critical resources. Their work ensures that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to pursue justice and safety in the U.S. FIRRP offers various ways for supporters to contribute to their mission of providing free legal and social services to detained immigrants and unaccompanied children. You can donate through methods like cryptocurrency, stocks, donor advised funds, IRA contributions, and checks. The organization also accepts beneficiary designations, making it easier for donors to support the cause in a way that suits their financial situation. Your contributions directly aid their efforts in offering critical assistance to vulnerable individuals facing immigration challenges. Consider donating today and make a meaningful impact on someone's life. Advocate by Educating Yourself and Those Around You Asylum Education by Immigration Equality For individuals seeking asylum, Immigration Equality  is a valuable resource. Their comprehensive guidelines explain the asylum process, empowering applicants to navigate this complex system. Understanding the asylum process is essential for anyone who wants to provide effective support. Immigration equality provides an extensive asylum manual that covers various areas of information such as, the history, rule of law, processes and procedure, application preparation and so much more. This is an amazing resource for anyone to start deep research into this process and we believe it is most beneficial for any and all immigration attorneys . Click here to open the Immigration Equality Asylum Manual's Table of Contents Preface & Acknowledgements Acronyms & Abbreviations 1. Asylum Law Basics: A Brief History 2. Asylum Law Basics: Sources of Law 3. Asylum Law Basics: Elements of Asylum Law 4. Precedential LGBTQ/H Asylum Cases 5. Immigration Basics: The One-Year Filing Deadline 6. Immigration Basics: Withholding of Removal 7. Immigration Basics: Relief Under CAT 8. Immigration Basics: Voluntary Departure 9. Immigration Basics: Real ID Act 10. Immigration Basics: Safe Third Country 11. Immigration Basics: Challenging Asylum Cases 12. Application Process: Working with Asylum Seekers 13. Application Process: Working with LGBTQ/H Asylum Seekers 14. Application Process: Elements of an Application 15. Application Process: Preparing the I-589 16. Application Process: Sample I-589 17. Application Process: Preparing the Asylum Declaration 18. Preparing the Application: Declaration Dos and Don’ts 19. Preparing the Application : Annotated Sample Declaration 20. Preparing the Application : Corroborating Client-Specific Documents 21. Preparing the Application : Corroborating Country Conditions 22. Preparing the Application : Indexed Country Conditions Sample 23. Preparing the Application : Sample Cover Letter 24. Preparing the Application : Assembling Everything 25. Affirmative Application Process 26. Immigration Court Proceedings 27. Board of Immigration Appeals 28. Federal Court Review 29. Detained Asylum Seekers 30. Obtaining an Employment Authorization Document 31. Asylee Status 32. Withholding Status 33. CAT Status Glossary Important Resources Immigrant Defense Project The Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) serves as a vital resource for individuals facing threats from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Their thorough “Know Your Rights” resource page outlines what actions to take during encounters with ICE officials. This information is crucial, especially considering that approximately 31% of immigrants reported having faced ICE enforcement. By educating yourself and sharing this knowledge, you can help protect those at risk from wrongful actions. To go one step further, print out their flyers and hang/hand them out to the community. If you are an attorney, the IDP also offers resources and training's for attorneys to help take on various immigration cases. The link below provides a range of resources for Criminal Defense Attorneys, Immigration Attorneys, Post-Conviction Relief Attorneys and Family Court Attorneys. Combating Misinformation at the Dinner Table with United We Dream In social settings, you may encounter anti-immigrant opinions. Organizations like United We Dream  provide guides to help individuals engage in these discussions. Their guide offers a few steps on how you can handle encountering these types of opinions and conversations. Educating yourself enables you to challenge harmful narratives and foster understanding within those who are misinformed. Employer Responsibilities and Rights The relationship between employees and employers is crucial in the realm of immigration. Understanding your rights in the workplace can prevent unnecessary complications. The National Immigration Law Center  has published a valuable guide for employers and their responsibilities to their immigrant employees. This resource is essential for both employees and employers to understand their respective rights and obligations. For employees, recognizing your rights helps shield you from wrongful actions and ensures your safety at work. Employers are informed of their responsibilities to maintain a fair, legal workplace environment, minimizing misunderstandings. Fostering informed discussions between employees and employers enhances mutual respect and contributes to a healthier workplace dynamic. Report ICE Sightings and Raids United We Dream Organization Report a raid to the only nationwide ICE reporting hotline MigraWatch, created by the   United We Dream   Organization. This organization could really use your help as a volunteer to verify reports in your area. Here are the following methods you can place your report: Call 1-844-363-1423 Send a text message to 877877. If possible, take photos and videos, and notes. Juntos Seguros Juntos Seguros is an excellent source of information for recent reports of ICE sightings. this is aimed at supporting immigrant families by ensuring their safety and is a crucial resource that reports on any recent ICE activity in local communities. There is no way for this interactive map to function unless there are willing bystanders who can accurately report seeing ICE in their area. If you or someone close to you witnesses an ICE raid, please report that sighting by clicking on the button below. People Over Papers The People Over Papers  platform is also another great resource for immigrants to check for any local ICE raids happening in their area. If you witness ICE activity near you, please also report that sighting onto this interactive map. There are moderators who check any submitted information to ensure accuracy and credibility so please be aware if your sighting is not automatically updated onto the map Taking Action Together Supporting immigrants requires a committed and collective effort. Whether by volunteering, donating, or advocating for change, your actions can foster a positive impact on immigrant lives. By familiarizing yourself with important resources and organizations dedicated to helping immigrants, you can take an active role in building a more inclusive society. Remember, even small actions contribute to a wider movement of compassion and justice. Together, we can help create a better future for everyone. This post invites you to explore the resources provided and discover how you can contribute. Together, we can stand for a just society that respects the rights and dignity of all its members.