Warning Signs
Know when your situation is escalating:
Act Now If
- ICE has been seen in your neighborhood or workplace
- You or family members have received a deportation order
- Neighbors or coworkers have been detained
- You hear reports of raids or checkpoints nearby
- Your community rapid response network sends an alert
Go-Bag Checklist
Pack a bag now so you can leave quickly. Keep it somewhere accessible.
Evacuation Planning
Plan Before You Need It
- Identify 2-3 safe locations: a trusted friend's home, a family member in another city, a sanctuary church
- Choose meeting points if your family gets separated
- Plan multiple routes out of your neighborhood
- Know which roads have checkpoints and avoid them
- Practice the plan with your family so everyone knows what to do
- Designate a buddy outside your household who can coordinate if you're detained
Safe Transportation
Traveling Safely
- Keep your vehicle registration and insurance current
- Follow all traffic laws (broken taillight = pretext stop)
- Carry your driver's license at all times
- Know your rights at internal checkpoints (you can decline to answer questions beyond citizenship)
- Avoid traveling alone if possible
- Share your route with a trusted person before you leave
- If using public transit, know that ICE sometimes operates near bus and train stations
At Checkpoints
Internal immigration checkpoints (within 100 miles of the border) are legal. You are required to stop. You are NOT required to answer questions beyond whether you are a U.S. citizen. You can state: "I choose to remain silent." Do not consent to a vehicle search.
Helping Others Evacuate
Be a Good Neighbor
- Establish a communication tree in your community
- Offer to drive or accompany someone if ICE is active
- Check in on neighbors who may be isolated
- Share information about safe routes and locations
- If you are a citizen or permanent resident, your presence as a witness is powerful