World Immigration News

What basic rights do people have if ICE stops them? A lawyer explains

Release Date: 2025-03-30
Media: LAist
Summary: In the United States, many non-citizens are feeling anxious as the second Trump administration targets both long-time legal residents and visa holders for detention and deportation. A recent case involved Rumeysa Öztürk, a Turkish graduate student with a student visa, who was detained by immigration agents on the street, sparking public concern. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that student visas were being revoked in response to pro-Palestinian activism on campuses, with over 300 visas canceled.

Raha Wala, a lawyer with the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), emphasized that immigrants have constitutionally guaranteed rights to due process, even if detained. She advised people to remain calm, stay silent, and ask if they are being detained. If agents have a valid arrest warrant, they can detain individuals, but they must explain the legal basis.

Wala also pointed out that lawful permanent residents (green card holders) have rights similar to U.S. citizens, and the current administration has been violating these rights. Regardless of immigration status, all individuals in the U.S. are entitled to constitutional protections, including free speech. However, rights at border points and airports may be limited, though constitutional protections still apply once on U.S. soil.
Tags: USA

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