Flyers in Texas Not from ICE
Posted Jun 18, 2004
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a Press Release in June 2004 that residents in Irving, Texas should ignore flyers that appeared in their area. The flyers claimed that local police, Dallas County officials, and ICE agents would be going door-to-door to conduct interviews. These notices have fake telephone numbers and numerous typographical errors. Further, ICE advises that it would not announce any intentions to conduct such interviews via a flyer.
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It is unclear why persons have chosen to produce these notices. ICE and local police officials suspect that it may be a criminal scheme to permit the perpetrators to gain easy access to the homes of potential victims. In their press release, ICE reminds readers that individuals have the right to ask for proper identification when local or federal officers knock on their doors. Further, ICE advises that one may call 911 if someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer arouses suspicion.
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While one should never be hostile towards someone claiming to be an ICE officer or other enforcement officer, it is a good idea to ask for identification in a calm, respectful manner. If anyone claiming to be an ICE officer enters your home and takes any property, including a passport, do not assume that s/he has the right to do so. Check with the local police or ICE office. They will be able to determine whether there is an actual ICE investigation or if there is a crime being committed. Such a report may increase the chances that your property will be safe or returned, and that the person/s can be stopped before stealing property from others. If you are not comfortable with a situation, immediately speak to the police, an immigration attorney who is familiar with how ICE officials conduct investigations in your area, or get in touch with a nonprofit organization that assists immigrants in your area.