Being Prepared: Museum Resources for Interactions with Law Enforcement

Museums are community anchors — places where people gather to learn, connect, and feel welcome. As stewards of these spaces, museum professionals hold the responsibility of ensuring that staff, volunteers, and visitors feel supported and safe, even in unexpected situations.

One area where preparation is especially important is knowing how to respond to potential interactions with law enforcement, including agencies such as ICE. While these situations may be rare, being ready helps institutions remain calm, confident, and mission-focused.

Thanks to partners across the U.S., we have gathered several resources that provide practical guidance for museums and their teams:

• Employer Guidance for Workplace Interactions with ICE
  A clear overview for employers on how to navigate workplace interactions with immigration enforcement.
• Know Your Rights Card (National Immigration Law Center)
  A simple, portable tool to help individuals understand their rights in encounters with law enforcement.
• Community Care: How Museums Can Respond to ICE Threats and Intimidation of Targeted Communities
  A thoughtful perspective on how museums can stand with and support vulnerable communities when facing intimidation.

These resources are designed to empower museum leaders and staff with knowledge and preparedness strategies. By being proactive, institutions can build trust with their communities, uphold their values of care and inclusion, and respond with clarity when difficult situations arise.

At their best, museums are places of belonging. Preparation ensures we can uphold that mission — no matter the circumstances.