Immigration presenter outlines rights, planning steps amid recent federal changes

Anna Marie Stenson, a guest presenter at the Moorhead Human Rights Commission meeting on Feb. 19, delivered a detailed education session on recent federal immigration policy changes and practical steps residents can take to prepare for encounters with U.S. immigration authorities.

Stenson told commissioners and attendees that “nothing in this document is intended or should be taken as legal advice,” and framed her remarks as general, nation‑wide guidance rather than case‑specific counsel. She said that in the previous month there had been “over a hundred immigration policy changes,” and urged people to know their individual circumstances because the changes affect people differently.

The presentation summarized common points of contact between immigrants and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including routine traffic stops, jail and court interactions, workplace enforcement, targeted home arrests and community encounters. Stenson emphasized constitutional protections and reiterated that individuals “have the right to remain silent,” while cautioning that asserting that right can sometimes lead to temporary detainment while status is checked.

Stenson advised specific practical steps: do not open your door to ICE without a judicially signed warrant; avoid signing documents without understanding them or consulting an attorney; carry or keep accessible documentation of immigration status (copies if not comfortable carrying originals); memorize an attorney’s phone number; and, if detained, tell officers you fear return to your home country. She also recommended that families assemble plans and key documents (birth certificates, passports, immigration receipts, medical information) in one place and consider powers of attorney for finances, property and medical care.

On procedural changes, Stenson described an expansion of expedited removal that can apply to individuals in the United States fewer than two years without lawful entry, meaning those individuals may be subject to faster removal procedures without the same opportunity to contest in some settings. She also warned that posting or relying on non‑accredited “consultants” can lead to scams and serious immigration consequences, and said only attorneys or Department of Justice‑accredited representatives should give legal advice.

Stenson pointed listeners to practical resources: keep USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) contact information and Alien Registration (A) numbers accessible, update addresses with USCIS to avoid missed notices, and consider contacting one’s home country consulate for assistance unless doing so would conflict with an asylum claim. She recommended an “immigration checkup” with a qualified attorney or accredited representative.

Commissioners thanked Stenson for the presentation and noted the recording would be available for community reference. Stenson closed by reiterating that the session was educational and offered to answer commissioner questions.

The presentation was delivered as informational guidance; no formal action or city policy changes were proposed at the meeting.