More than a decade after publishing a comic book showing how to sneak into the United States, Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created an infographic video to advise Mexican illegal aliens in the United States how to prepare for possible detention by immigration authorities.
Titled "Recommendations in Case of Immigration Detention", the video outlines seven steps to be taken. These recommendations are divided into two sections.
The first section, "How to prepare in case of immigration detention", includes the following:
- Elaborate an emergency plan: take care of your family especially minors. If they were born in the U.S.A., go to the nearest consulate and register them as Mexicans.
- Research what documents you should always carry with you and keep a copy of all your documentation in a safe place.
- If you require immigration guidance, go to your consulate, they will give you information about reliable lawyers.
- Know your rights in case you are detained in your home, workplace, or on the street.
Section two, "How to act in case of immigration detention", gives the following recommendations:
- If authorities come to your home:
- Do not run away.
- Do not open the door and stay calm.
- Do not reveal your immigration status.
- Ask what they are there for.
- Request an interpreter if you need it.
- Ask that they show you the warrant of arrest and/or removal through the window, check that it has your name, address, and signature of the judge.
- If they do not have a court order you can refuse to let them in.
- If the authorities enter your home without a warrant of arrest and/or removal: ask for names and badge numbers, tell them that you do not consent to the search.
- If the authorities detain you:
- Remain silent.
- Do not reveal your immigration status.
- Ask to speak with your nearest Mexican consulate.
- Contact your lawyer.
- Don't sign anything.
- Find out who arrested you.
- Request an interpreter if you need it.
- Do not lie.
- Do not hand in forged documents
The video also reminds viewers that an ICE administrative order (Form I-200, I-205) does not give authorities permission to enter your home. It then concludes by instructing nationals to go to a Mexican consulate or call the Center for Information and Assistance to Mexicans (CIAM). The Mexican government announced the CIAM hotline as one of eleven actions to support Mexicans in the United States after Donald Trump won the presidential election.