Following increased deportations, reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showing up at homes and detaining undocumented immigrants, and rhetoric from the Trump Administration, the DC immigrant community is on edge. We spoke to Iman Saad, Supervising Attorney of Bread for the City’s Legal Clinic’s Immigration Practice, to get the facts straight and provide resources for our local immigrant community.

Q: What impacts has the new federal administration had on local immigrant communities?

Iman: In his first month in office, President Trump has deported 37,660 people, but that number is likely to rise as the administration hopes to exceed the prior administration’s deportation efforts. In February, ICE targeted immigrants in Northern Virginia and Silver Spring, MD, one of whom was pulled over during a routine traffic stop. These highly visible and publicized operations early on in Trump’s presidency are designed to have a psychological effect on immigrant communities, to isolate people from resources, and create an atmosphere of confusion and fear. 

Q: Who is at the highest risk of deportation right now?

Iman: The most vulnerable are undocumented immigrants who have been in the US for less than two years. These individuals are at risk of expedited removal, a fast-track deportation process that has been expanded by the Trump administration. Immigrants of any status who have had any contact with the criminal justice system are also at increased risk of enforcement and detention. Even minor offenses like traffic citations can put someone on ICE’s radar. It’s a tough system that doesn’t always differentiate between a minor issue and someone who’s a threat to national security.

Q: How are green card holders affected by all of this?

Iman: Green card holders are more protected than undocumented immigrants and visa holders, but they still face risks. If a green card holder has a criminal conviction, even if it’s something from years ago, it could lead to detention or deportation. Immigration agencies are under immense pressure to meet President Trump’s enforcement mandates, and unfortunately, that means going after individuals who’ve been in the country for years without issue. It’s a harsh reality, even for people who thought they were secure.

Q: What is happening with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Iman: The Trump administration took action to end TPS for several countries, including Venezuela and Haiti. Unfortunately, I believe that the current administration will eventually seek to terminate other TPS programs, either by not renewing them or letting them expire. Immigrants from countries like El Salvador and Afghanistan who greatly benefited from TPS may see the end of their program.

Q: Given the fear and uncertainty, what advice do you have for immigrants who are worried about their security in the US?

Iman: The most important thing right now is preparation. Think of it as preparing for a natural disaster. A coalition of several DMV organizations have launched a resource hub that provides family planning information in multiple languages. But here is some general information Bread community members should know:

• Gather any proof you have that shows you’ve been in the country for more than two years. This can include documents like leases, transcripts, utility bills, bank statements, and pay stubs. Keep a copy of these important documents on you and another copy stored in a safe place, and make sure a trusted person has copies of them too. 
• Memorize the phone numbers of your family and lawyers. If you do not have an immigration lawyer, make sure you or your family has a list of legal services providers in case of emergency.
• Make sure your emergency contact information is up-to-date with your work, school, or other important places.
• Pack an overnight bag with important paperwork, necessities or medication if you require them. Arrange for care for your children or elderly relatives in the event you are arrested. An attorney may be able to help you assign a guardian or power of attorney for your children.
• Keep a physical list of your medications and medical conditions. You should also make sure you have your medications in an easily accessible place in the event of an arrest.
• Avoid carrying foreign ID cards or passports. Police or immigration officers may use this as proof that you are not a citizen, putting you at greater risk of detention or deportation.
• Do NOT carry false or fake documents, including fake social security cards or green cards. You could be accused of fraud or identity theft. If stopped by an immigration officer, you should never provide false information or documentation. 
• If you fear a loved one has been detained, you can use ICE’s Online Detainee Locator tool to look for missing people you suspect have been picked up by ICE, or tell your family about the tool in case of emergencies. 

Ultimately, preparation means understanding your rights and being ready if the worst-case scenario happens.

Q; What should people do if stopped by police or ICE?

Iman: Stay calm. Do not resist, obstruct or attempt to run away from agents or officers if they try to arrest you. You can say, “I am not resisting.” You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. You are also not required to sign any documents. 

• If an immigration officer asks for your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them. Do not provide false information or documents. If you do not have your documents on you, tell the officer you wish to remain silent or that you wish to consult a lawyer before answering any questions. 
• If police or immigration officers ask to search you, you can say no. Law enforcement does not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
• If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government will not provide one for you. You should ask the officer for a list of free or low-cost representatives.

Q: What to do if ICE comes to your home?

Iman: DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. It is safer to speak to ICE through a door.

You do not have to let police or immigration officers into your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. ICE will sometimes use an administrative warrant that allows them to arrest someone they suspect of violating immigration law. But this warrant is NOT signed by a judge and does NOT allow ICE to enter your home without your consent. 

Ask any law enforcement officer who they are and what they are there for. You should also ask for their badge or identification, and if they have a warrant signed by a judge. You should have them slide any documents they have under the door or hold it up to the window or peephole so you can inspect it.

If they do not produce a warrant, keep the door closed and state that you do not consent to their entry. 

You have the right to remain silent, even if the officer has a warrant to enter or search your home. Inform the officer that you do not wish to answer any questions. 

Q: How can immigrants stay informed and protect themselves from misinformation?

Iman: There are some great resources to help navigate this climate. In the DMV area, local organizations like the Amica Center offer real-time updates on what’s happening in the immigration landscape. Additionally, the DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network has a hotline, (202) 335-1183, where people can report ICE activity and access resources if they’re detained. And follow them on social media for real-time updates on ICE activity in the area.

Q: If immigrants in our community are seeking legal advice from Bread for the City, what should they do?

Iman: They can call our legal hotline a call at (202) 386-7616. We can accept calls in any language and will give you a call back within 48 hours. If we can’t help you directly, we’ll direct you to another free service provider or other helpful resources.

Q: What role does Bread for the City play in supporting immigrant communities beyond legal advice?

Iman: Beyond legal consultations, Bread for the City provides essential services like food, medical care, and social services, which are critical for many immigrant families who may be struggling financially. Our goal is to be a resource hub, not just for legal guidance but for holistic support that ensures immigrants can meet their basic needs without fear or barriers. Whether it’s connecting people with housing support, healthcare, or food assistance, we want them to know they have a place to turn.

About Bread for the City’s Immigration Practice

Our Immigration Practice helps noncitizens in a variety of immigration legal matters, including applications for work permits, green cards, asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), citizenship, and a variety of other humanitarian benefits for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, or violent crimes, such as U-visa, T-visas, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). As immigrant populations are persecuted, we foresee a rise in demand for our services. Please consider making a donation to our immigration practice.

About Iman

Prior to coming to Bread for the City, Iman spent two years as a teaching fellow with Georgetown Law’s asylum clinic. Before moving to DC, Iman provided legal services to detained immigrants throughout New Jersey.