The message of the panel was to encourage Houston residents that undocumented status would not prevent them from using the police. Mayor Sylvester Turner stated "HPD is not ICE and we don't seek to be ICE. In this city we don't profile. We're not going to do that." This comes on the heels of proposed legislation from the Trump administration that would make it a crime to abuse a federal benefit program, particularly by those who are not in the country legally.
While Acevedo made sure to mention that many of the rumors about growing numbers of immigration raids on homes is false, Attorney Khalil discussed immigrants’ rights in the event ICE were to show up at their door. For starters, you do not need to open your door if the officer does not have a warrant. Likewise, all immigrants have the right to remain silent and the right to an interpreter before answering any questions. She strongly advised immigrants to use these rights.
If you need assistance with an immigration issue, call The Modi Law Firm, PLLC now! Whether you or your family are threatened with deportation, or you need assistance obtaining a visa in order to seek work legally, you should not face the difficult and stressful immigration process alone. Our Houston immigration lawyers have helped hundreds of clients seek a successful resolution to their case, and can advocate for you in an aggressive and professional manner.
Call The Modi Law Firm, PLLC today at 832.514.4030 and schedule an initial consultation!