As the federal government increases its immigration enforcement, here are three tips to know if you are in a position where you might encounter ICE.

0:05: Welcome to Three To Know with the Columbia Chronicle, your go-to source for the top three things every Columbia College student, faculty and staff member needs to know. 

0:13: I’m your host, Levi Libson. 

0:17: As tensions rise between Governor JB Pritzker and President Donald Trump, there has been an increase in immigration enforcement activity in the Chicagoland area. 

0:26: Here are three tips to know if you encounter ICE. 

0:29: Tip one: Be proactive. 

0:31: Knowledge is power. Keeping up with ICE sightings can be essential for avoiding conflict. 

0:35: Apps such as Ice Block allow for users to create reports and notify others if ICE is spotted nearby. 

0:41: If this isn’t your thing, exercise observance and pay attention to your surroundings, especially spoken word. 

0:47: If you feel as if you’re in a position where ICE might target you, remember to carry your documents, give copies to a trusted friend or family member and come up with a plan in case you are detained. 

0:58: Stay connected with your community and continue to share updates with the people around you so they know what’s happening as well. 

1:04: Tip two: knowing your rights if you are approached. 

1:07: Knowing your rights can help you make educated decisions and ultimately get out of tough situations. 

1:12: Being able to distinguish what you can and can’t do makes it harder for you to be taken advantage of. 

1:17: All people are protected by the United States Constitution regardless of immigration status. 

1:23: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. 

1:27: This means that ICE needs a signed judicial warrant to enter your home without your permission. 

1:32: If ICE comes to your home, ask the agents to slide the warrant under the door and verify that it is signed by a judge and authorizes entry to your address. 

1:40: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent. 

1:42: Agents may ask questions about your immigration status or place of birth, but you can state that you do not wish to answer any questions. 

1:49: Staying calm helps to keep you safe. 

1:52: Lastly, tip three: what to do if you are detained. 

1:55: In the event that you need legal representation, know there are plenty of resources available to you. 

2:01: According to the National Immigration Legal Services directory, there are a listed 58 Illinois organizations dedicated to fighting for you and assisting in filing complicated paperwork. 

2:12: Additionally, services such as the Immigration Defense Project have public pages available in multiple languages for more specific situations, walking you through step-by-step on how to deal with them. 

2:23: It’s important to memorize important hotlines or addresses in case your devices are taken away. 

2:29: Above all, stay informed. 

2:30: Protecting yourself also means knowing where to turn for support. 

2:36: Subscribe to our newsletters on our website, www.columbiachronicle.com. 

2:40: Be sure to also check out Chronversations for weekly campus highlights. 

2:44: I’m Levi Libson. 

2:45: Thanks for listening. 

Copy edited by Vanessa Orozco