ICE Readiness For Founders & VCs

Below is a collection of resources I curated to help startup founders and VCs prepare and respond to ICE interactions.

Prepare well — and may you never have to put these plans into action.

  • Yes, please do share widely. You can download the slides here.

    Please note that the information contained in these slides is NOT legal advice.

  • LawHelpMN.org has comprehensive and high quality resources. I would start there.

    Note that even though this is a Minnesota resource, immigration law is FEDERAL law. That means you should be able to rely on another state’s ICE-related resources in your state to the extent they relate to immigration law.

  • Download this form from LawHelpMN.org: Risk of Detention Info Form

  • Yes. Start with this template from WeHaveRights.us and add any additional relevant information and paperwork.

  • Yes. The MICA Project has high-quality and comprehensive resources collected in a public Google drive here.

    I would start by reviewing the information in the Project Guide: Workplace Preparedness Training and then use their planning template to create a plan for your team.

    Note that this training focuses mainly on businesses with primarily physical workspace. Startups and VCs are often hypermobile and/or working in co-working spaces or remotely, so think about whether there are ways you can leverage physical barriers in your existing space (lobbies, locks on office doors, etc.) or if there are precautions that members of your team may want to take in terms of reducing travel or other mobility.

  • Use the SALUTE method described on this LawHelpMN.org page.

  • You can use the ICE Locator website (Online Detainee Locator System.)

    Note that this isn’t updated immediately and that it may not include children. You can also try going in person to the physical detention center in your state.

    Everything will get delayed and more complicated if a team member is transferred to an out-of-state detention center, so time is of the essence as far as getting a lawyer to intervene and implementing an emergency response plan.

  • I invest in pre-seed founders through my venture fund, Tundra Ventures.

    And I work 1:1 with a select group of founders getting ready to raise their first round of funding through my Base Layer advisory.

DISCLAIMER: This information is NOT legal advice. The information provided via this website is for general, educational, or informational purposes ONLY.

Consult with a lawyer licensed to practice in your state.