Immigration Resource

Social Service Providers

The following information is to assist social service providers in helping immigrant and refugee clients. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

 

Encountering ICE at Work/Office

  • Do not allow ICE entry. Law enforcement may not enter the private spaces of an establishment without a valid warrant or permission.
  • Whoever is interacting with the officers should ask for identification and a warrant. The warrant is only valid if it correctly lists the establishment, has the proper date, and is signed by a judge.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers.

 

Know Your Rights

Help protect your clients and staff. Know your rights and how to exercise them. Review these documents created by the National Immigration Law Center.

A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace

Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All

Warrants & Subpoenas: What to Look Out for and How to Respond

Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs

 

Trainings

Religious Communities

The following information is to assist places of worship in helping immigrant and refugee members/attendees. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

Encountering ICE in Places of Worship

  • Do not allow ICE entry. Law enforcement may not enter the private spaces of an establishment without a valid warrant or permission.
  • Whoever is interacting with the officers should ask for identification and a warrant. The warrant is only valid if it correctly lists the establishment, has the proper date, and is signed by a judge.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers.

 

Know Your Rights

Help protect your members, attendees, and staff. Know your rights and how to exercise them. Review these documents created by the National Immigration Law Center.

Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All

Warrants & Subpoenas: What to Look Out for and How to Respond

 

Trainings

Educators (Higher Ed)

The following information is to assist educators in university/college settings in helping immigrant and refugee families and students. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

 

Encountering ICE in School

  • Do not allow ICE entry. Law enforcement may not enter the private spaces of an establishment without a valid warrant or permission.
  • Whoever is interacting with the officers should ask for identification and a warrant. The warrant is only valid if it correctly lists the establishment, has the proper date, and is signed by a judge.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers.

 

Know Your Rights

Help protect your students and staff. Know your rights and how to exercise them. Review these documents created by the National Immigration Law Center and others.

Higher Education for Immigrant Students

Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All

Warrants & Subpoenas: What to Look Out for and How to Respond

Basic Facts About In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrant Students

Key Points to Know About FAFSA Data Security

Higher Ed Immigration Portal

Trainings

Educators (K-12)

The following information is to assist educators in helping immigrant and refugee families and students. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

 

Encountering ICE in School

  • Do not allow ICE entry. Law enforcement may not enter the private spaces of an establishment without a valid warrant or permission.
  • Whoever is interacting with the officers should ask for identification and a warrant. The warrant is only valid if it correctly lists the establishment, has the proper date, and is signed by a judge.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers.

 

Know Your Rights

Help protect your students and staff. Know your rights and how to exercise them. Review these documents created by the National Immigration Law Center and others.

MN Attorney General Guidance for Educators

Guidance for Schools

Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All

Warrants & Subpoenas: What to Look Out for and How to Respond

Education For All Campaign

Plyler and Data Collection

Trainings

Health Care Providers

The following information is to assist healthcare providers in helping immigrant and refugee patients. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

Encountering ICE in Healthcare Settings

  • Do not allow ICE entry. Law enforcement may not enter the private spaces of an establishment without a valid warrant or permission.
  • Whoever is interacting with the officers should ask for identification and a warrant. The warrant is only valid if it correctly lists the establishment, has the proper date, and is signed by a judge.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers.

 

Know Your Rights

Help protect your patients and your colleagues/staff. Know your rights and how to exercise them. Review these documents created by the National Immigration Law Center.

Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement: Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients’ Rights

A Guide for Employers: What To Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace

Health Care and Health Insurance for Immigrants

Warrants & Subpoenas: What to Look Out for and How to Respond

 

Trainings

Community Groups

The following information is to assist community groups in helping immigrants and refugees. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

 

Know Your Rights

Learning and sharing “know your rights” information can help people in interactions with law enforcement:

 

Emergency Family Preparedness

Help immigrants in your community prepare for the possibility of interacting with ICE by reviewing the following resources:

 

Trainings

Immigrants/Refugees

The following information is to assist immigrants and refugees. This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Last updated February 4, 2025.

 

General Know Your Rights Information

You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions from ICE or other law enforcement.

You have the right to an attorney. You may have a lawyer with you if ICE or other law enforcement questions you. Do not sign anything without a lawyer.

You have the right to decline a search. Do not open your door. ICE is not legally allowed to enter your home without a proper judicial warrant.

Please review and practice this “Know Your Rights” information. It is available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Creole, English, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

 

Encounters with ICE

In public

  • Ask, “Am I free to go?” If the officer says yes, walk away. If the officer says no, do not walk away.
  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer questions about your immigration status, where you are going, or what you are doing.
  • You have the right to refuse a search of yourself or your belongings. The officer may legally pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon. Otherwise, you may say, “I do not consent to being searched.”
  • You have the right to an attorney. You may say, “I will not answer any questions without my attorney.” Memorize the phone number of an attorney you can call if you are detained.

In your car

  • Pull over to the side of the road. Open your window slightly. Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
  • When asked, you must provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer questions about your immigration status, where you are going, or what you are doing.
  • You have the right to refuse a search of yourself or your vehicle. The officer may legally pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon. Otherwise you may say, “I do not consent to this search.”
  • You have the right to an attorney. You may say, “I will not answer any questions without my attorney.” Memorize the phone number of an attorney you can call if you are detained.

In your home

  • Do not open your door. Ask for identification.
  • To enter your home legally, officers must present a valid judicial warrant. It must have your correct address and name and be signed by a judge. Instruct the officers to hold the warrant up to the window or slide it under the door for your review.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers.

At school/work

  • Law enforcement may not enter the private spaces of an establishment without a valid warrant or permission.
  • Whoever is interacting with the officers should ask for identification and a warrant. The warrant is only valid if it correctly lists the establishment, has the proper date, and is signed by a judge.
  • If the warrant is not valid, you can say, “This warrant is not valid. You may not enter. Please leave.”
  • If the officers enter anyway or if the warrant is valid, you still have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
  • Document everything you can during the search including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information and any actions taken by officers

General reminders

  • Do not run or resist arrest. This may be used unfairly against you in court.
  • Never lie or present false documents. This may be used unfairly against you in court.
  • Do not open the door without confirming that the officers have a valid warrant. Opening the door is considered consent to enter.
  • Do not answer any questions without an attorney present. Any information may be used unfairly against you in court.
  • Read through “Know Your Rights” material, practice scenarios, and prepare documents so you are ready if you encounter ICE.

 

Detention

If you are detained:

  • Request a phone call to your attorney or emergency contact.
  • You have the right to remain silent. You should not answer any questions or sign anything without an attorney present.
  • Request a copy of all papers your attorney submits to the judge as part of your case.

To find someone detained by ICE:

  • Use ICE’s online detainee locator
  • Call the local ICE office at (402) 536-4935 (Fort Snelling). Make sure to have the person’s alien registration number written down, if they have one.
  • Call the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline number at 1-800-898- 7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on your case’s status.

 

Get Legal Assistance

 

DACA

DACA holders still have legal status and can renew their DACA status. To learn more about DACA, please visit our “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)” website page.

 

TPS

If you have questions about your TPS status, applying, or renewing, please visit our “Temporary Protected Status” website page or our “Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status” website page.

 

For 24/7 help finding any type of assistance, visit the 211 Resource Library.

Parole in Place

Current as of June 25, 2024. This is not legal advice. 

Important note: Do not pay anyone to file this application. The application period for this benefit has not been announced; USCIS will reject any application filed before the application period begins. Alert your community to beware of individuals promising to file these applications before the application period begins.

Nota importante: No pague a nadie para que presente presentar esta solicitud. El período de solicitud para este beneficio no ha sido anunciado; USCIS rechazará cualquier solicitud presentada antes de que comience el período de solicitud. Alerte a su comunidad para que tenga cuidado con las personas que prometen presentar estas solicitudes antes de que comience el período de solicitud.

DHS Fact Sheet

Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families – USCIS

“About 1.1 million immigrants without legal status are married to American citizens in the United States, according to immigration advocacy organization FWD.us. The administration thinks that ultimately about half that number — about 500,000 — could be eligible for this program, plus about 50,000 of their children.” – Here’s what’s in Biden’s plan to offer some migrants a pathway to citizenship, and how it will work, PBS

 

President Biden’s parole in place plan is good news for 40,000 Minnesota families. Under the plan, many undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens will be able to apply for permanent residence (green cards) without leaving the country. Leaving the country for processing risks imposition of a 10-year bar to return. 

“Immigration advocates are trying to get word out about the timeline, said Julia Decker, policy director at Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

“She added that folks who are undocumented will be able to stay together and maintain a sense of stability that is most important for children. Before this week, the process could sometimes keep families separated for as long as 10 years. Along with undocumented spouses, Biden’s plan will also apply to their noncitizen children. 

“‘It’s hard to overstate how much the risk of that 10-year separation can be and how heavy that could weigh on families and children of those families,’ Decker said. 

“Michele McKenzie of the Advocates for Human Rights said those interested in pursuing this pathway should wait for further official announcements from the president, and should avoid scammers claiming they can submit their application.” – Biden order streamlining path to citizenship for spouses could affect 40,000 Minnesotans, Sahan Journal

Minnesota Cannabis Law

This presentation is in English and Spanish. Esta presentación está en inglés y español.

ILCM Fact Sheet – Minnesota Cannabis Law – English

ILCM Fact Sheet – Minnesota Txoj Cai Tswj Hwm Tshuaj Maj Tshiab – Hmong

ILCM Fact Sheet – Minnesota Cannabis Law – Karen

ILCM Fact Sheet: Minnesota Cannabis Law – Somali

ILCM Hoja Informativa – La Ley del Cannabis – Spanish

In 2023, Minnesota passed a law to legalize the use and possession of marijuana for adults 21 and older.  As of August 1, this law is in effect. While Minnesota has legalized marijuana for adults 21 and older, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. This includes any type of marijuana (for example, the plant, edibles with marijuana, and THC drinks).  

Immigration law is federal law.

That means that people who are not U.S. citizens should stay away from marijuana even if it is legal under state law because it can have a different impact on them including serious immigration consequences.  

If you’re not a U.S. citizen do not use, possess, grow, sell or have anything to do with marijuana.  

Using, possessing, growing, and selling marijuana is still illegal under federal law. If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not use, possess, grow, or sell marijuana. Doing so could stop you from getting legal status or U.S. citizenship, result in the loss of your immigration status, or put you at risk of deportation.  

__________

En 2023, Minnesota aprobó una ley para legalizar el uso y la posesión de marihuana para adultos mayores de 21 años.  A partir del 1 de agosto, esta ley está vigente. Aunque Minnesota ha legalizado la marihuana para adultos mayores de 21 años, la marihuana sigue siendo ilegal según la ley federal. Esto incluye cualquier tipo de marihuana (por ejemplo, la planta, los comestibles con marihuana y las bebidas con THC).  

La ley de inmigración es una ley federal.   

Eso significa que las personas que no son ciudadanos estadounidenses deben evitar la marihuana, incluso si es legal según la ley estatal, porque puede tener un impacto diferente en ellos, incluidas graves consecuencias migratorias.  

Si no es ciudadano estadounidense no deben usar, poseer, cultivar, vender o tener nada que ver con la marihuana.  

__________

Minnesota’s new recreational cannabis law will automatically expunge certain low-level cannabis offenses. Records of these offenses may be more difficult to access in the future, but these records might be important for an immigration case. If you’re not a U.S. citizen and believe you were charged with or convicted of a marijuana offense, you should obtain copies of your records as soon as possible. Records can be obtained at Minnesota Court Records Online. 

Read more

Español/Spanish

Driver’s Licenses for All

 

WE DID IT!

On March 7, 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed Driver’s Licenses for All into law. The law will go into effect on October 1, 2023.

Over the next few months, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), ILCM, and our partners will be preparing other resources to help you prepare to apply for a driver’s license.

March 28, 2023 – Frequently Asked Questions

 

March 14, 2023 – General Fact Sheet