News Release:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
As the invasion of Iraq began, the FBI announced a plan to interview at least 11,000 Iraqis in the next couple weeks. While the interviews are reportedly voluntary, many Iraqi immigrants lawfully in the country are fearful they may be detained or sent back to Iraq for saying something wrong.
The ACLU contacted leaders in the affected immigrant communities to offer confidential free legal assistance to individuals who are contacted by the FBI and asked to submit to an interview. A flyer announcing the availability of legal services has been distributed to mosques, churches, and community centers.
WHAT TO DO IF THE FBI OR POLICE CONTACT YOU FOR QUESTIONING
The US government has announced its intention to interview people of Iraqi origin living in the US. This bulletin informs you how to respond in a way that will protect your rights when the FBI, INS/BICE, or police contact you for questioning.
- If the FBI or police contact you to ask questions, you have the right to have a lawyer present. It is your right and your choice whether you get a lawyer. A lawyer is a legal witness who will protect your rights. If you are a non-citizen, it is more important that you have a lawyer.
- If an FBI agent or police officer asks to speak to you, and you would prefer to have a lawyer, tell him or her that you want to consult with that lawyer first. Write down the name, agency, and telephone number of the person who calls or visits you. Tell them that your lawyer will contact them soon.
- Then CONTACT SOMEONE IMMEDIATELY.
ACLU can provide confidential free legal advice. (206) 624-2184
The Hate Free Zone offers a toll-free help-line to report hate incidents and discriminatory actions. 1-866-HFZONE1
A 24-hour Arab Hotline for Arabic speakers takes hate incident reports and gives referrals to legal advisors. (206) 634-9001
- ANY information you give to an officer without a lawyer, even if it seems harmless, can be used against you or someone else. Lying to an officer is a crime. Remaining silent is NOT a crime.
- You are NOT required to allow the officer into your home or office without a warrant. Ask to see the warrant, the officers ID and get his serial number. If the officer refuses to show you any of these, do not let him in , call 911 immediately. Tell the person that you are doing this.
- If the officer says that he has a warrant for your arrest, you have a right to see the warrant. You must go with the officer, BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS UNTIL YOU CONSULT AN ATTORNEY
- If you are detained, you should ask for a lawyer and remain silent. If you are detained in an immigration detention center, ask for contact information for lawyers.
PLEASE CALL FOR HELP—AND LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT THE HOTLINE NUMBERS.
Co-Sponsored by American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Arab American Community Coalition, Arab Center of Washington, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington, Hayaat, Iraqi Community Center, Palestinian Heritage Group, Voices of Palestine
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