What Happens When You Tell Someone About an Immigration Crime
From employment fraud to human trafficking, immigration crimes hurt communities all over the United States. If you see or hear about possible violations of immigration law, reporting them can help keep the immigration system honest and protect people who are vulnerable.
Knowing how to report something gives you the power to do the right thing when you need to. This guide tells you everything that happens after you file a report, from the first step to the last step. If you’re worried about visa violations, document fraud, or other serious crimes, knowing the right people and how to report them will make sure your report gets the attention it needs.
It is important to think carefully before reporting an immigration crime, but it is a very important part of upholding immigration laws and keeping people safe from harm or exploitation by illegal activities.
Who to Tell About Immigration Crimes
Different federal agencies deal with different kinds of immigration violations. If you choose the right agency, your report will get to the right investigators.
ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICE looks into a lot of different kinds of immigration violations, such as:
- Employer sanctions violations
- Fraud with documents
- Trafficking and smuggling of people
- Fraud in immigration benefits
- Breaking customs rules
The agency’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division is in charge of looking into crimes that break immigration laws.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
USCIS is mostly concerned with immigration benefit fraud, which includes:
- Fraud in marriage
- False asylum claims
- Incorrect information on immigration forms
- Illegal practice of immigration law
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP takes care of violations that happen at ports of entry and along the U.S. borders:
- Crossing the border without permission
- Breaking customs rules
- Fraudulent documents at entry points
- Smuggling people across borders
The FBI is the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The FBI looks into serious immigration crimes that are against federal law:
- Trafficking people
- Schemes for organized immigration fraud
- Corruption in the government that has to do with immigration
- Civil rights violations against people who come to the US
How to Tell About Immigration Crimes
Each agency offers several ways to report so that people can choose the one that works best for them.
Reporting Online
Most agencies have secure online tip forms that let people report things without giving their name. These forms typically request:
- Description of the suspected violation
- Names and addresses of the people involved
- Proof or supporting documents
- Contact Information (not required for anonymous tips)
Phone Reporting
ICE operates a 24-hour tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423). Other agencies maintain their own hotlines for reporting specific violations. Phone reports let investigators talk to you right away and ask questions to make things clear.
Reports in writing
You can send in detailed written reports by email or regular mail. Give as many details as you can:
- Dates and places where violations are thought to have happened
- Physical descriptions of individuals
- Addresses or numbers on license plates
- Copies of any relevant documents that are available
Reporting in Person
During business hours, you can walk into your local ICE office and report a crime. This choice is good for complicated cases that need a lot of paperwork or when you want to talk to investigators in person.
What Happens After You Make a Report
Depending on the type of violation and the agency involved, the investigation process may look different, but it usually goes through these steps:
First Review and Evaluation
Investigators look over your report to see how credible it is and how important it is
- They look at how bad the alleged violation is.
- Evidence and witnesses that are available
- Resources required for investigation
- Possible effects on public safety
Specific, verifiable information in reports is more important than vague or unproven claims.
The Process of Investigation
If investigators think your report needs more action, they start collecting evidence by:
- Operations for surveillance
- Searching databases
- Document analysis
- Interviews with witnesses
- Working with other law enforcement agencies
It may take months or years for complex cases of organized fraud or trafficking to fully develop.
Possible Results
There are a number of possible outcomes for immigration crime investigations:
Administrative Action: USCIS can deny applications, take away benefits that have already been granted, or start removal proceedings in immigration court.
Criminal Prosecution: The Department of Justice can bring criminal charges against people who break the law in a serious way. This can lead to fines, jail time, or both.
Civil Penalties: Employers who break immigration employment laws may have to pay fines, but they won’t go to jail.
No Action: Some reports don’t have enough proof to take formal action, but the information may help with future investigations.
Follow-Up Communication
Agencies usually don’t give detailed updates on the status of an investigation because of privacy and security issues. But they might get in touch with you for more information or to clear up any questions.
People who report are safe
People who report immigration crimes in good faith are protected by federal law in a number of ways.
Protections for Whistleblowers
There are a number of federal laws that protect employees who report immigration violations at work. Employers can’t legally punish workers who report:
- Hiring workers who aren’t allowed to work
- Schemes for document fraud
- Unsafe working conditions affecting immigrant workers
Confidentiality Measures
When they can, police protect the identities of reporters. Anonymous reporting options allow you to provide information without revealing personal details..
Programs to Protect Witnesses
In very bad situations with dangerous criminal groups, there may be federal witness protection programs. These programs offer witnesses who are facing real threats, security measures and, in some cases, a new place to live.
Legal Options
If you are punished for reporting immigration crimes, federal law gives you options for legal action, such as:
- Getting back to work
- Back pay and benefits
- Damages for loss of income
- Fees for lawyers
Taking Action Against Illegal Immigration
There are many good reasons to report immigration crimes. It helps keep the immigration system honest, protects vulnerable people from being taken advantage of, and helps law enforcement find patterns of criminal activity.
Before you report potential immigration violations, think about how serious and believable the situation is. Give investigators as much specific information as you can so they can properly evaluate and act on your report.
It is your civic duty to report crimes you think are happening. This helps keep the community safe and upholds the law. The information you give may not always lead to immediate visible action, but it is often used in larger investigations that may take time to fully develop.
If you think there are immigration crimes happening in your area, don’t be afraid to call the right federal agency. Investigators may need your report to protect victims and hold violators accountable.
