Immigrants & Immigration
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
Illinois is a sanctuary state and has laws like the TRUST Act, which stops local police from helping federal immigration agents enforce immigration laws. However, the federal government can still enforce immigration laws anywhere in the US, even if local authorities don’t help.
Everyone in the US has rights, no matter what their immigration status is or who the president is. If you’re worried about your rights during mass deportation threats or an encounter with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it’s important to know your protections and have a plan. Here are some resources to help:
- Learn more about ICE raids and arrests: Know what to expect and how to respond.
- Guardianship for immigrant children: Find information about how to ensure someone you trust can take care of your children if you are detained or deported.
- Find legal help: Discover organizations offering free or low-cost legal help.
- Get connected with support: Call the ICIRR Family Support Network (FSN) hotline at 1-855-435-7693 to access services across Illinois.
Resources from the National Immigrant Justice Center
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) has guides to help you prepare for possible mass deportations and ICE encounters. These resources provide practical advice to stay informed, protect your rights, and handle these situations confidently:
- Prepare for Trump’s mass deportation threats.
- Know your rights if you encounter ICE.
- What to do if you or a loved one is detained.
- Plan ahead to protect your family in the event of deportation.
Immigrant Justice - The Resurrection Project
- Immigrant Justice is offering workshops for immigrants in Illinois who are impacted by deportation or seeking to apply for specific immigration statuses. Complete the pre-screening to sign up for an immigration application workshop.
- If you want to learn more and better understand your options and protections, you can register for a virtual "Know Your Rights" session.
Help for noncitizens facing deportation in Cook County
The Cook County Public Defender's Immigration Division helps noncitizens in Cook County with deportation cases.
- Non-detained: You may qualify for free legal help if you or a loved one has a case in Chicago Immigration Court and has been represented by the Cook County Public Defender in another case.
- Detained: Free legal help is available for noncitizens in ICE custody who have ties to Cook County and a case in Chicago Immigration Court.
To get help, email [email protected] or call (312)-603-0636 on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Knowing your rights and resources can make a significant difference. Use the information above to prepare for potential situations and protect yourself and your loved ones.
