ICE Airport Arrests Soar: Visa Holders Urged to Stay Calm and Seek Legal Help
ICE has increased its presence at domestic airports, leading to a significant spike in daily arrests. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has issued a travel alert for visa holders, advising them on how to handle encounters with ICE agents.
The AILA recommends that individuals stay calm and do not run or physically resist if stopped by ICE agents. When asked for identification, they can show their passport, but are not required to disclose their visa category.
Visa holders should also opt out of facial recognition scans by saying 'I am opting out of facial recognition. I want manual ID verification.' If questioned, they can say 'I am exercising my right to remain silent' and ask for a lawyer.
The AILA warns that certain individuals are at higher risk of being targeted, including those with expired I-94 documents or past criminal convictions. They recommend carrying essential documents such as passports, I-94 printouts, and I-797 approvals.