# Safety and your rights

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/

What to do if you are in danger or have been hurt, if ICE comes to your door or someone close to you is detained, and how to deal with the police. We also explain how to recognize scams and protect your phone.

This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.

QARAVAN does not provide legal services and is no substitute for a lawyer. This is what official sources say; only a lawyer can advise on your case. The City's MOIA line [(800-354-0365](tel:8003540365), Russian available) answers immigration questions and tells you where to find a free lawyer.

Information is current as of November 2026. Rules change fast and some new state laws are being challenged in court, so check anything important for your case with a lawyer.

## Start here

- If you are in danger, call [911](tel:911) and say “Russian”: an interpreter will join. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) does not ask victims about immigration status.
- If immigration officers come to you, don't open the door, stay silent and sign nothing until you talk to a lawyer.
- If you or someone close to you is detained, find them at [locator.ice.gov](https://locator.ice.gov) and apply for free legal help at [on.nyc.gov/rrlc](https://on.nyc.gov/rrlc).

- [**1** If you are in danger right now](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/emergency/)
- [**2** If ICE comes to you](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/ice-encounters/)
- [**3** What City and State laws protect and where the protection ends](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/sanctuary-laws/)
- [**4** If you or someone close to you is detained](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/if-detained/)
- [**5** Police stops and arrests](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/police-and-arrest/)
- [**6** Violence in a couple or family](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/violence-and-abuse/)
- [**7** Attacks and threats because of hatred](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/hate-incidents/)
- [**8** Scams and fake immigration helpers](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/scams-and-fake-helpers/)
- [**9** Digital safety and pressure from abroad](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/safety/digital-safety/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03540](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03540)
- [nyc988.cityofnewyork.us/en](https://nyc988.cityofnewyork.us/en/)
- [safehorizon.org/hotline](https://www.safehorizon.org/hotline)
- [thetrevorproject.org/get-help](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/)
- [humantraffickinghotline.org/en](https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/get-legal-help.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/get-legal-help.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/know-your-rights.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/know-your-rights.page)
- [ilrc.org/redcards](https://www.ilrc.org/redcards)
- [immigrantdefenseproject.org/know-your-rights-with-ice](https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/know-your-rights-with-ice/)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need…](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need-to-know-about-ice-encounters/)
- [maketheroadny.org/we-protect-us](https://maketheroadny.org/we-protect-us/)
- [nyc.gov/assets/doi/reports/pdf/2025/49NYPD.SancLawsRelease.Rpt…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doi/reports/pdf/2025/49NYPD.SancLawsRelease.Rpt.12.03.2025.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/assets/doi/Testimony/2026/DOITestimonySanctuaryLaws.03…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doi/Testimony/2026/DOITestimonySanctuaryLaws.03.05.2026FINAL.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/content/dam/nycgov/mayors-office/downloads/pdf/press-r…](https://www.nyc.gov/content/dam/nycgov/mayors-office/downloads/pdf/press-releases/2026/EO-13-Report-of-Audit-Findings-and-Recommendations.pdf)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need…](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need-to-know-about-new-yorks-states-new-immigration-protections/)
- [nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVR/28*2](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVR/28*2)
- [maketheroadny.org](https://maketheroadny.org/)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Rapid-Response-Legal-C…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Rapid-Response-Legal-Collaborative-Flyer-English.pdf)
- [bronxdefenders.org](https://bronxdefenders.org/)
- [legalaidnyc.org](https://legalaidnyc.org/)
- [bds.org](https://bds.org/)
- [dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans](https://dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans)
- [immigrationequality.org/legal/legal-help](https://immigrationequality.org/legal/legal-help/)
- [envisionfreedom.org/get-support](https://envisionfreedom.org/get-support/)
- [blackimmigrantsbailfund.com](https://www.blackimmigrantsbailfund.com/)
- [lgbtqfund.org](https://www.lgbtqfund.org/)
- [ice.gov/detention-facilities](https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities)
- [familylegalcare.org](https://familylegalcare.org/)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/family-separation.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/family-separation.page)
- [nycourts.gov/help/guardianship/appointing-standby-guardian-child](https://www.nycourts.gov/help/guardianship/appointing-standby-guardian-child)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/arrests-policing](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/arrests-policing/)
- [bds.org/contact](https://bds.org/contact)
- [queensdefenders.org](https://queensdefenders.org/)
- [immigrantdefenseproject.org/hotline](https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/hotline/)
- [nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/file-complaint.p…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/file-complaint.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/right-to-know-ac…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/right-to-know-act.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/ocdv/programs/family-justice-centers.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ocdv/programs/family-justice-centers.page)
- [opdv.ny.gov/survivors-victims](https://opdv.ny.gov/survivors-victims)
- [thehotline.org](https://www.thehotline.org/)
- [avp.org/get-help](https://avp.org/get-help/)
- [nyc.gov/hopeservices](https://www.nyc.gov/hopeservices)
- [stopstalkerware.org/stalkerware-detection-removal-and-prevention](https://stopstalkerware.org/stalkerware-detection-removal-and-prevention/)
- [nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/hate-crimes.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/hate-crimes.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/stophate/file-a-report/file-a-report.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/stophate/file-a-report/file-a-report.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/stophate/resources/victim-support.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/stophate/resources/victim-support.page)
- [ovs.ny.gov/victim-compensation](https://ovs.ny.gov/victim-compensation)
- [avp.org/get-help/report-violence](https://avp.org/get-help/report-violence/)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/avoid-immigration-serv…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/avoid-immigration-services-fraud.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-complaint.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-complaint.page)
- [ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-se…](https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-services-fraud)
- [reportfraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/)
- [ic3.gov](https://www.ic3.gov/)
- [justice.gov/eoir/can-someone-represent-you-eoir](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/can-someone-represent-you-eoir)
- [uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/common-scams](https://www.uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/common-scams)
- [fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression](https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression)
- [accessnow.org/help](https://www.accessnow.org/help/)
- [ssd.eff.org/ru](https://ssd.eff.org/ru/)
- [support.apple.com/en-us/105120](https://support.apple.com/en-us/105120)
- [landing.google.com/advancedprotection](https://landing.google.com/advancedprotection/)
- [stopstalkerware.org](https://stopstalkerware.org/)
- [ice.gov/about-ice](https://www.ice.gov/about-ice)
- [uscis.gov/about-us](https://www.uscis.gov/about-us)
- [locator.ice.gov/odls](https://locator.ice.gov/odls/)
- [on.nyc.gov/rrlc](https://on.nyc.gov/rrlc)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/your-security-plan](https://ssd.eff.org/module/your-security-plan)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/seven-steps-digital-security](https://ssd.eff.org/module/seven-steps-digital-security)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/how-to-use-signal](https://ssd.eff.org/module/how-to-use-signal)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/how-avoid-phishing-attacks](https://ssd.eff.org/module/how-avoid-phishing-attacks)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/how-enable-two-factor-authentication](https://ssd.eff.org/module/how-enable-two-factor-authentication)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/how-to-get-to-know-iphone-privacy-and-secur…](https://ssd.eff.org/module/how-to-get-to-know-iphone-privacy-and-security-settings)
- [landing.google.com/advancedprotection/faq](https://landing.google.com/advancedprotection/faq/)
- [nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/immigrants.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/immigrants.page)
- [iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices/search](https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices/search)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/domestic-violence.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/domestic-violence.page)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/resources-for-immigran…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/resources-for-immigrant-crime-victims-en-final.pdf)
- [avp.org/get-help/legal](https://avp.org/get-help/legal/)
- [nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/ccrb-jurisdictio…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/ccrb-jurisdiction.page)
- [migrationpolicy.org/article/supreme-court-rules-attorneys-must…](https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/supreme-court-rules-attorneys-must-inform-criminal-defendants-immigration-consequences/)
- [nyc.gov/site/stophate/resources/frequently-asked-questions.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/stophate/resources/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- [nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/S425](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/S425)
- [uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-t-nonimmig…](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-t-nonimmigrant-status)
- [everycrsreport.com/reports/LSB11438.html](https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/LSB11438.html)
- [law.cornell.edu/wex/habeas_corpus](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/habeas_corpus)
- [nycourts.gov/help/guardianship/guardianship-child](https://www.nycourts.gov/help/guardianship/guardianship-child)
- [nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/know-your-rights…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/know-your-rights.page)
- [nyc.gov/assets/ocdv/downloads/pdf/NYC-HOPE-11x17-wall-poster-E…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/ocdv/downloads/pdf/NYC-HOPE-11x17-wall-poster-English.pdf)
- [ovs.ny.gov/faq](https://ovs.ny.gov/faq)
- [cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-d…](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/New-York-Immigrant-Fam…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/New-York-Immigrant-Family-Unity-Project-English.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/knowyourrights](https://www.nyc.gov/knowyourrights)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/KYR-with-ICE_February-…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/KYR-with-ICE_February-2025_English.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Updated-Flyer_KYR-ICE-…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Updated-Flyer_KYR-ICE-at-Workplace_7.24.25.pdf)
- [americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/ices-secret-warrantless-ho…](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/ices-secret-warrantless-home-entry-policy/)
- [nyic.org/2026/06/court-of-appeals-upholds-trumps-expedited-rem…](https://www.nyic.org/2026/06/court-of-appeals-upholds-trumps-expedited-removal-policy-threatening-due-process-protections-for-immigrant-nyers/)
- [aila.org/library/d-c-circuit-allows-expansion-of-expedited-rem…](https://www.aila.org/library/d-c-circuit-allows-expansion-of-expedited-removal)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Immigration-Court-101-…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Immigration-Court-101-2026-English.pdf)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/What-to-do-after-a-lov…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/What-to-do-after-a-loved-one-is-detained-by-ICE.pdf)
- [acis.eoir.justice.gov/en](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/)
- [respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en](https://respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/)
- [uscis.gov/alienregistration](https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need…](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need-to-know-about-non-citizen-registration/)
- [uscis.gov/addresschange](https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange)
- [ssd.eff.org/module/attending-protest](https://ssd.eff.org/module/attending-protest)
- [uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-and-other-…](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-and-other-crimes/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status)
- [uscis.gov/humanitarian/abused-spouses-children-and-parents](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/abused-spouses-children-and-parents)
- [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/crime-victims-rights.p…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/crime-victims-rights.page)
- [governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-govern…](https://governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-announces-implementation-her-new-law-stand)
- [nyc.gov/assets/ocdv/downloads/pdf/Accessible-2025-ENDGBDV-FJC-…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/ocdv/downloads/pdf/Accessible-2025-ENDGBDV-FJC-One-Pager-12-2025-012026-Edit.pdf)
- [bkreader.com/policy-government/brooklyn-center-expands-after-h…](https://www.bkreader.com/policy-government/brooklyn-center-expands-after-helping-domestic-violence-survivors-for-20-years-10962503)
- [on.nyc.gov/hotlinechat](https://on.nyc.gov/hotlinechat)
- [nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/domestic-violence.p…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/domestic-violence.page)
- [access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-988](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-988/)
- [988lifeline.org/interpretation-services/russian](https://988lifeline.org/interpretation-services/russian/)
- [avp.org/2026/08/03/new-hotline-hours](https://avp.org/2026/08/03/new-hotline-hours/)
- [nyc.gov/assets/cchr/downloads/pdf/materials/ProtectedClasses_F…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/cchr/downloads/pdf/materials/ProtectedClasses_Factsheet.pdf)
- [portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01783](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01783)
- [uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/find-legal-se…](https://www.uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/find-legal-services)
- [nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/Tips-for-Immigrants…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/Tips-for-Immigrants-English.pdf)
- [justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports)
- [legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need…](https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation/what-you-need-to-know-about-paying-immigration-fees/)
- [uscis.gov/i-589](https://www.uscis.gov/i-589)
- [dos.ny.gov/know-your-rights](https://dos.ny.gov/know-your-rights)
- [supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/26-104.html](https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/26-104.html)
- [nyclu.org/press-release/after-ice-admitted-having-no-justifica…](https://www.nyclu.org/press-release/after-ice-admitted-having-no-justification-for-arrests-at-immigration-courthouses-district-court-grants-stay-prohibiting-ice-from-conducting-courthouse-arrests)
- [bostonglobe.com/2026/05/20/nation/ice-makes-courthouse-arrest-…](https://bostonglobe.com/2026/05/20/nation/ice-makes-courthouse-arrest-despite-judges-order)
- [ny.gov/programs/hate-crimes-task-force](https://www.ny.gov/programs/hate-crimes-task-force)
- [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/)
- [familylegalcare.org/secure-email](https://familylegalcare.org/secure-email/)
- [nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/file-online.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ccrb/complaints/file-a-complaint/file-online.page)
- [dhr.ny.gov/node/7806](https://dhr.ny.gov/node/7806)
- [ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/civil-rights](https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/civil-rights)
- [ag.ny.gov/file-complaint](https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint)
- [ovscompass.ovs.ny.gov/ovs/applicant/signIn](https://ovscompass.ovs.ny.gov/ovs/applicant/signIn)
- [thehotline.org/about](https://www.thehotline.org/about/)
- [humantraffickinghotline.org/en/about-us](https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/about-us)
- [lawhelpny.org/resource/your-right-to-assistance-in-your-langua…](https://www.lawhelpny.org/resource/your-right-to-assistance-in-your-language-bas)
- [lawhelpny.org/organization/legal-aid-society-criminal-defense-…](https://lawhelpny.org/organization/legal-aid-society-criminal-defense-practice-s)
- [acludc.org/cases/make-road-ny-v-huffman](https://www.acludc.org/cases/make-road-ny-v-huffman/)
- [thecityreporter.nyc/2026/07/08/ice-new-justification-federal-p…](https://www.thecityreporter.nyc/2026/07/08/ice-new-justification-federal-plaza-court-arrests/)
- [ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-and-govern…](https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-and-governor-hochul-announce-lawsuit-against-rensselaer)
- [abc7ny.com/post/federal-judge-rules-new-york-states-mask-ban-i…](https://abc7ny.com/post/federal-judge-rules-new-york-states-mask-ban-ice-agents/19621119/)
- [nepyork.com/2026/08/03/judge-blocks-new-york-mask-and-id-rules…](https://nepyork.com/2026/08/03/judge-blocks-new-york-mask-and-id-rules-for-federal-agents-upholds-ban-on-local-immigration-contracts/)
- [ice.gov/secure-communities](https://www.ice.gov/secure-communities)
- [ice.gov/bonds](https://www.ice.gov/bonds)
- [thecityreporter.nyc/2026/09/24/ice-ruling-26-federal-plaza-nyc…](https://www.thecityreporter.nyc/2026/09/24/ice-ruling-26-federal-plaza-nyc-immigration-lewis-kaplan/)
- [nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Rapid-Response-Legal-C…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/Rapid-Response-Legal-Collaborative-Flyer-Russian.pdf)
- [blackimmigrantsbailfund.com](https://www.blackimmigrantsbailfund.com/)
- [uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-589instr.pdf](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-589instr.pdf)
- [ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-208/subpa…](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-208/subpart-A/section-208.20)
- [telegram.org/faq](https://telegram.org/faq)