You belong here.
A.R.I.S.E. Appalachia believes that immigrants are an essential part of our communities. Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and access to support—no matter where they were born or what language they speak. This page connects you to trusted information, local partners, and real help.
Know Your Rights!
If immigration agents come to your door:
You do not have to open the door unless they show a signed judicial warrant (not an ICE warrant).
You can ask them to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window.
You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status.
You do not have to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
If you are stopped or questioned:
You can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
You can ask: “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”
If detained, ask for a lawyer immediately.
If you are detained:
You have the right to call an attorney.
You have the right to a phone call.
You have the right to contact your consulate.
Local Support & Rapid Response
These organizations work directly in East Tennessee and across the state to protect immigrant families and respond to enforcement activity.
ICE Out of East TN
“Building community alternatives to ICE and police in East Tennessee.”
“Construyendo alternativas comunitarias al ICE y a la policía en ETN.”
Call the Hotline:
Call the ICE Out of East TN hotline to report ICE activity or get help: 865-226-9052
Remember:
S.A.L.U.T.E. / A.C.T.U.A.R. *images courtesy of ICE Out of East TN*
TIRRC — Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition
A statewide leader in immigrant justice.
Who They Are:
We are nationally recognized for our multiethnic, multigenerational coalition building, effective legislative advocacy, and award-winning communications initiatives. We organize both individual immigrants and refugees, as well as organizations and multifaith congregations that serve immigrant and refugee communities.What They Do:
Legal clinics, DACA assistance, voter engagement, policy advocacy, and family support. Services available in multiple languages
AKIN – Allies of Knoxville’s Immigrant Neighbors
A regional network working to support immigrants and build welcoming communities in East Tennessee.
Who They Are:
A network of people in the Knoxville area who work to encourage dialogue about issues related to immigrants and refugees; to build better understanding among immigrants, refugees and members of local receiving communities; to support and learn from immigrant and refugee communities as they engage in civic and political life; to promote more just and reasonable policies toward immigration and asylum; and to foster a welcoming atmosphere in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and recognized for their positive contributions to the community.
When to Reach Out for Help
Contact one of the groups above if:
ICE or immigration agents are in your neighborhood
A loved one has been detained
You need help finding legal services
You need support for housing, food, or emergency needs related to immigration issues
These organizations are trusted, community-based, and focused on protecting families—not reporting them.
We Stand With Our Immigrant Neighbors
Immigrants make Appalachia stronger. From our schools and workplaces to our churches and neighborhoods, immigrant families are woven into the fabric of this region.
A.R.I.S.E. Appalachia will continue to:
Share accurate information
Amplify trusted local partners
- Connect individuals and families to local resources
Push back against fear and misinformation
Organize for policies that protect immigrant families
You are not alone here.