FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, August 15, 2025

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Hector Fong | [email protected]

Bethany Khan | [email protected]

Nevada Immigrant Coalition stands with the ACLU Nevada in calls for DMV record transparency 

Las Vegas, NV – On Friday, August 15th, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada announced a lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (NV DMV) for refusing to turn over public records about its communications with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which include references to a Signal group between DMV staff and ICE officials. 

In Nevada, existing law prohibits the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles from releasing any information relating to legal presence or any other information relating to or describing immigration status, nationality or citizenship. During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Nevada law (NRS 481.063) was updated, prohibiting the Director from releasing any personal information for any purpose relating to the enforcement of immigration, creating an extra layer of protection for Nevada Residents. 

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition issued the following statement: 

“Transparency builds trust between Nevadans and the institutions that are supposed to serve us. The community deserves to know the full extent of communications and record sharing that is potentially happening between the Nevada DMV and ICE and these agencies have a legal duty to be transparent with the public.

Because of the Trump mass deportation agenda and increased collaboration between our state and local governments and ICE, our community is living in fear, and families are being separated and deported without due process. Mass deportations have impacted our schools, the local economy, and many cultural hubs. Nevadans demand better from our local government and agencies.

In Nevada and across the country, immigrants are vital – caring for our children, rebuilding our infrastructure, creating small businesses, and keeping our economy alive. Immigrant workers are our neighbors, friends, loved ones, and essential workers who keep this country thriving.”

——–

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) urges members of the immigrant community to know their rights, have family preparedness plans in place, and be aware of ICE officers in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles. By law, all Nevadans, regardless of immigration status, have rights, including due process.

While the Nevada Immigrant Coalition continues to fight for policies and laws that protect immigrant rights, it’s critical to take steps to stay safe and minimize unnecessary interactions with law enforcement. That includes:

*Keep all documentation, including Driver Authorization Cards up to date.

*Be careful to follow all traffic laws when driving.

*Don’t drink and drive.

*Avoid speeding or running red lights.

*Use appropriate turn signals.

*Fix broken tail lights, brake lights, and headlights promptly.

*Do not drive without a valid license or with an expired one.

*Avoid distractions while driving (example: texting or using your phone).

*Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your vehicle.

*Carry a Know Your Rights card or a graphic saved on your phone and emergency contact information.

NOTE: Possession or use of marijuana remains illegal for undocumented immigrants, even if it is legal in Nevada. A single traffic stop or citation can quickly escalate into immigration consequences and the Nevada Immigrant Coalition urges the community to be vigilant and protect yourself and your family.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:

If ICE stops you . . .

*You can ask the officers if you are being detained, if you are not, then you are free to leave.

*You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions regarding your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States.

*Do not physically resist a government official and do not run away.

*If you are over 18 or over, and a non-citizen, an immigration officer may request to see your immigration documents.  If you have your documents, the law requires you to share them if you have them.

*If you do not have your immigration documents, you still have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.

*Do not provide false documents to officials.

If ICE comes to your home . . .

*In most circumstances, you are not required to open the door for ICE if they don’t have a judicial warrant. A Judicial warrant is a document that is signed by a judge.

*You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions.

If ICE takes you into custody . . .

*You have the right to ask to speak with an attorney.

*You have the right to not sign any document that you do not understand. Even if the ICE officers are persistent and want to pressure you, do not sign.

*In certain cases, you can request to see the immigration judge. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to ask for bail to be released from custody.

*You have the right to request to contact your country’s consulate for help.

*If you have minor children, let the officers know that you are the parent or primary caregiver. ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.

To find loved ones who may have been detained: Search the ICE Detainee Locator.

###

ABOUT THE NEVADA IMMIGRANT COALITION: 

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC), founded in 2006, ensures immigrant, refugee, and new American voices are heard at a local, state, and federal level to advocate for humane and fair immigration policies. The Nevada Immigrant Coalition focuses on strengthening a network that provides services, resources, and deportation defense to immigrants and refugees across the state while strategically organizing around issues that are important to all Nevadans. We believe in working towards a Nevada that welcomes, respects, and protects everyone regardless of their immigration status.
Get updates from the Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) on Instagram and Twitter (X) or text “JOIN” to 638-232 receive updates via text (terms of service).