Know Your Rights When Encountering ICE
If you believe you are witnessing ICE activity, please call ICIRR’s 24-Hour Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693).
If you find yourself interacting with an ICE officer in any location including your workplace, or out in the community, remember:
You have the right to remain silent when questioned or arrested by immigration officers
You should remain calm and keep your hands where the officer can see them.
You can state that you wish to speak with an attorney
You are not required to
Discuss your immigration or citizenship status with the police, immigration agents, or other officials
Sign anything you do not understand.
If an officer knocks on your door at home:
You have the right to not open the door.
ICE officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” are not signed by judges; they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and they do not grant authority to enter your home without your consent
If you are outdoors and think you see immigration officers nearby:
You can move to a safe indoor space
If you are a U.S. citizen and feel safe to do so, you can record the activity with your phone or write down any relevant information about what you witness— ALWAYS being careful to not interfere or otherwise obstruct the operation
DO NOT:
Post unverified information on social media
Interfere with the investigation or otherwise put yourself in harm’s way
Establish a safety plan that your family can use if ICE arrests you. Key parts of a safety plan include:
Identify your emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers.
Provide your child’s school or daycare with an emergency contact to pick up your child.
Provide authorization in writing for your emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.
Tell your loved ones that if you are detained by ICE, they can try to use ICE’s online detainee locator to find you: locator.ice.gov
Carry your valid immigration documents.
If you do not have such documents, carry copies of documents that show that you have been in the US for at least two years (if that is the case). Examples include housing, employment, or education records If you are detained, it is important that you seek legal representation. Call 1-855-435-7693 to connect with an immigration attorney.
