What if you encounter ICE?

You are part of our community, and please know that we are always here for you. Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws; we want to help you be prepared to assert those rights during any encounter with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or law enforcement.

Quick Tips

• Do not open the door if an immigrant agent is knocking.

• Do not answer questionsfrom an immigrant agent.

• Do not sign anythingwithout speaking first to a lawyer.

• Ask to see a warrant signed by a judge.

• Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent.

• Ask to speak to a lawyerbefore signing any documents or answering any questions.

• Recorddetails and names.

• Do not lieif you should end up speaking.

Know Your Rights in Public

• ICE officers DO NOT need a judicial warrant or an administrative warrant to speak to you in public.

• If an ICE officer approaches you in public, first ask, Am I free to go? BEFORE giving them any of your personal information.

• If they say no, you can say, I want to use my right not to answer any of your questions. This may not stop them from trying to detain you, but you are putting your right to remain silent to good use.

Know Your Rights at Home

• If ICE is at your door, do not open your door not even slightly. Without opening the door, ask for a warrant to be slipped underneath the door. If they do have a judicial warrant, you nor anyone in the house needs to speak. Clearly state: I am exercising my right to remain silent.

• If ICE is inside your home: If they enter your home without your permission, you can tell them, I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave. Saying this may not stop them but may be beneficial for a future case. If ICE starts searching your belongings or rooms you can tell them, I do not consent to your search. You can also clearly state: I am exercising my right to remain silent. It is legal in most states to document ICE making arrests Film openly not secretly.

Family Preparedness

• Power of Attorney Designate a trusted individual to make decisions for your children, finances, and other critical matters.

• Emergency Contacts Share contact details of attorneys, advocates, and family members with your loved ones.

• Secure Important Documents Keep copies of passports, immigration paperwork, and medical records in a safe place accessible to your family.

• Child Care Plans Make arrangements for your children, including school authorizations and medical care.