Immigration Rights and Resources

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If you or someone you know is a resident of Oregon’s Sixth District and has been taken into immigration custody, please document all information and reach out to our office by calling (503) 385-0906. While the immigration process can be difficult to navigate, our team of caseworkers will do everything we can to assist you and your loved ones, and find a solution if there is one available.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this page should be used for general informational purposes ONLY. It is not legal advice.

Information is provided 'as is', without any warranty or any representation, express or implied, of accuracy, timeliness, or completeness. The burden of determining accuracy, completeness, timeliness, merchantability, and fitness for or the appropriateness for use rests solely on the user.  The user acknowledges and accepts the limits of the information, including the fact that the contents are dynamic and is in a constant state of maintenance, correction, and update. The office commits to do everything in its power to verify the information provided and correct and post information in a timely and accurate manner. Constituents may contact our office with suggestions for this page if they encounter a discrepancy or error.

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What are my rights?

Every person living in the United States, including both documented and undocumented immigrants, is entitled to certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution. REMEMBER: Anything you tell an officer can and may be used against you in immigration court. 

• You have the right to remain silent and the right to contact an attorney.
  • Visit the Oregon Department of Justice’s website for more information on contacting attorneys.
• You have the right to not discuss your place of birth, how you entered the country, or share your immigration or citizenship status with law enforcement officers, immigration agents, or anyone else without an attorney.
  • Separate rules apply at international borders and airports, and for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.
• You have the right to not answer questions about your immigration status if you are pulled over while driving.
  • However, you are required by Oregon law to show your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• You have the right to decline a search of your person and/or belongings if officers do not have your consent and/or probable cause.
  • Law enforcement officers may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
• You have the right to see a warrant before opening the door to any law enforcement officers and/or immigration agents.
• You have the right to not sign any document without an attorney.

What should I do when interacting with law enforcement or ICE?

• Do not volunteer any personal or identifying information.
• Do not provide fraudulent or false documents, such as a fake name.
• Do not sign a document that you do not fully understand.
• Ask for proof of officer or agent identification.
• You should never lie about your immigration status, but you are allowed to remain silent and request an attorney.
  • For more information, please visit: www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/oira.aspx
• Always show your valid and legitimate immigration documents if asked.
  • The law requires immigrants with valid documents to carry them at all times. Otherwise, you are allowed to remain silent and request an attorney.

What do I do if I am arrested and facing a deportation order?

• You typically have the right to a hearing to challenge a deportation order, unless you have signed something that waives your right to a hearing or have opted for a voluntary departure.
  • If you are told you do NOT have the right to see an immigration judge, you should speak with a lawyer immediately.
• You have the right to an attorney, but the government is not required to provide one for you. There may be free or low-cost alternatives available.
  • Additional resources can be found on the Oregon Department of Justice’s website by clicking here. [www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/bias-and-hate/partner-organizations/]
• If you fear prosecution or torture in your home country, tell an officer and contact a lawyer immediately. You may have additional rights if you have this fear.
  • For more information, please visit: www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/oira.aspx

What do I do if my loved one is detained?

• Contact the local ICE office: https://www.ice.gov/contact/field-offices
• Call the Detention and Reporting Information Line at 1-888-351-4024
• Use the Online Detainee Locator System at https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/index
• Obtain your loved one’s A-Number and the name and phone number of the officer assigned to their case.
• Obtain an immigration attorney.
  • You can find immigration attorneys via a web search.
• If you or your loved one is detained and you have children at home, let the officer(s) know that you have children and provide the officer(s) with the name and location of your children. Prepare ahead by making a plan with a trusted relative, such as by preparing a notarized guardianship letter in the event that you may be deported.

Are there other resources available to me that are not listed here?

Yes. Due to congressional ethics rules, our office is only able to direct you to resources provided by official local, state, and federal government entities. This means that you may find additional, non-government resources – like non-profits and law firms – that may be more applicable to your circumstances. We encourage you to do your own research to find all the available resources available to you.

Please visit the links below for additional resources: 

• Oregon Department of Justice Partner Organizations: https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/bias-and-hate/partner-organizations/

• Oregon Department of Human Services: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/oira.aspx

I still have questions. How do I contact your office?

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who lives in Oregon’s Sixth District, please contact our office. We are able to assist constituents with immigration questions and help them navigate the immigration process. If you already have an active immigration case with a federal agency like USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), please be prepared to provide us with all relevant information. 

Contact our casework team: salinas.house.gov/casework

Call our office: (503) 385-0906

Not a resident of Oregon’s Sixth District? Click here to find your U.S. Representative.