ICE and CBP agents must not violate constitutional rights

Because of circumstances that have left you without the proper documentation to remain in the United States, you may worry that staying in California with your family may result in detention and deportation. At U.S. Law Center, our legal team works with immigrants to explain their rights and uphold these when government agents seek to violate them.

The U.S. Constitution protects your rights as well as citizens, which means the authorities cannot enter your home unless you give them permission or the agent has a signed warrant. You also have the right to refuse to answer questions, the right to speak to an attorney and the right to appear before an immigration judge. Because there are federal laws protecting these rights, anyone whose rights have been violated by a federal agent may bring the situation before the authorities and before the court system.

Often in recent years, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have overstepped their boundaries as they respond to governmental pressure to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. The ACLU points out that a number of constitutional rights are routinely violated:

• The right to protection from an unreasonable search and seizure
• The right to due process
• The right to equal protection
• The right to be free from racial or other discrimination

ICE is not the only agency that may violate your rights. The Customs and Border Protection has jurisdiction in zones that extend 100 miles from all United States borders. Many CBP agents are known for racial profiling and the use of excessive force.

More information about deportation defense is available on our webpage.