In critical moments, knowing how to alert your contacts if ICE detains you can mean the difference between facing the process alone or receiving support from your family and attorney.
At Curbelo Law, our New Jersey immigration attorneys are prepared to act quickly and protect your rights from the very beginning. We help you create a preemptive legal plan and be prepared for any immigration raid or detention.
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What to do and how to alert your contacts if you are detained by ICE
In an immigration operation, every second counts. Therefore, you can configure your phone to send a message with your location to your contacts:
If you have an iPhone
- Open the Shortcuts app and create a new one .
- Add the actions: “Get Current Location”, “Get Map URL” and “Send Message”.
- Personalize the message. For example, “I was detained by ICE. Here’s my location.” Select your key contacts.
- Turn off “Show When Run” so the message is sent by using only your voice, saying something like, “Hey Siri, immigration is here.”
If you have Android (version 10 or higher)
- Install the Google Personal Safety app.
- Open the app and set up your emergency contacts .
- Activate “Emergency SOS” in settings, security and emergency.
- Set it so that pressing the power button 5 times shares your real-time location. You can also send SOS alerts with a custom message.
Other apps that may be useful:
- Speed Dial Widget: Creates an emergency button visible from the home screen.
- Red Panic Button: Allows you to send a text message or email with your location to multiple contacts with a single tap.
Why is it important to have an alert system?
More and more immigrants in the United States are being detained without warning by ICE. Therefore, having an alert system on your phone can make a big difference by:
- Speeding up access to legal assistance from the very beginning.
- Activating an emergency plan if you care for minors or dependents.
- Increasing your chances of standing up for your rights.
- Immediately informing your family, friends or lawyer.
What should I do if I witness an ICE arrest?
- Record or take photos of the event if it does not interfere with the arrest.
- Write down the time, location, vehicle license plates, and any officer information (name, uniform, number).
- Do not physically intervene, but keep your distance and observe carefully.
- Immediately notify the family of the detained person.
- Contact legal or community organizations that can provide assistance.
- Keep evidence (videos, photos, notes) safe.
Proper compliance with Form I-9 is key for employers and workers in response to these ICE arrests and raids. Read our publication for details.
What to do before a possible raid or arrest?
If you find yourself in the middle of a possible immigration raid or detention, we recommend that you:
- Have a family plan ready in case of separation.
- Delegate temporary custody of your children if necessary.
- Prepare a folder with the following documents.
- Copies of your legal documentation.
- Emergency contacts (family or attorneys).
- Powers of attorney or authorizations to make decisions in your absence.
For more information on this topic, please feel free to check our blog: What to do during an ICE raid or I-9 audit
Additional tips on how to alert contacts if you are detained by ICE
Setting up an alert system on your phone is just the first step. For it to work effectively in a real-life situation, it’s key to reinforce it with these additional actions:
- Memorize your attorney’s number or write it down in a physical location, away from your phone.
- Save digital copies of your important documents in the cloud and share them with someone you trust.
- Talk to your emergency contacts and explain how your alert system works, so they’re prepared if they receive a message from you.
- Always keep your cell phone charged and connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, as the system relies on connectivity.
How can Curbelo Law help you with an ICE arrest?
Now you’re better prepared on how to alert your contacts if ICE detains you. However, at Curbelo Law, we offer immediate legal assistance to immigrants detained by ICE and strategic guidance to their families to protect their rights.
We assess your situation, help you prepare, and respond quickly to any raid or arrest.
Contact us today for personalized advice and to learn how to use your cell phone as an emergency alert tool.
