Rep. Ocasio-Cortez offers to intervene for immigrants picked up by ICE

• Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is offering to intervene for immigrants arrested by ICE. She is one of multiple Democrats offering advice and resources to immigrants in their district.
• AOC is asking immigrants who have an order or removal or are worried about getting picked up by ICE to sign a DHS privacy release form.
• Democrats say they are helping immigrants to counter the Trump administration’s deportation effort.

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is asking immigrants in her district to sign a privacy release form so her office can intervene if they are picked up by ICE. The release is part of a broader effort by Ocasio-Cortez and other Democratic members of Congress to inform immigrants about their rights as the Trump administration ramps up deportation operations. 

The lawmaker’s website states, “If you or a loved one has an open order of removal or are worried about getting picked up by ICE, please complete this DHS Privacy Release form so our office can intervene. Know that you have rights, including access to a lawyer.”

Ocasio-Cortez’s office is hosting a webinar the night of Wednesday, Feb. 12 to teach constituents what to do if they are confronted by ICE. She, and other members, also have resources and information available on their website, including a list of pro-bono attorneys. 

Congressional offices can provide immigration casework assistance to constituents who have an open case. That usually involves submitting inquiries to federal agencies about the status of a case, but it’s limited to asylum, DACA and TPS, naturalization and Visa applications. 

Other members of congress who are providing information and resources to constituents include Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. 

“Sadly, our nation’s immigration system is fundamentally unjust and tragically inhumane. Instead of extending humanity and compassion to migrants and refugees, our country often treats them like criminals. This has only been exacerbated by President Donald Trump and his Administration,” Omar’s Know Your Rights page states. 

The representatives say when confronted by ICE, immigrants: 

• Can stay silent.
• Do not have to open the door unless officers have a warrant.
• Do not have to share personal information, including immigration status.
• Should not sign anything before consulting with an attorney.
• Should not lie.