Know your rights – Protect yourself and your loved ones
Immigration officers and ICE agents can come to your home, workplace, and other locations. It is essential for you to know your rights and prepare yourself and loved ones with an emergency plan.
What if ICE comes to your home?
- Do not open the door. If you open the door and allow them in, this could be taken as giving "consent" to enter.
- Ask for a warrant. Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or to show it through the window.
- Validate the warrant. In case they do have a warrant, make sure the warrant is signed by a judge and has your correct information, otherwise you are not required to open the door.
What if they have a valid warrant?
- Remain calm and silent. Anything you say or do can be used against you, so remain calm and silent.
- Do Not Answer Questions. Simply ask to speak to an attorney, under the fifth amendment you have the right to remain silent so you don't accidentally say something that could incriminate yourself.
What if ICE comes to your workplace?
- Do not run. Running could be seen as you have something to hide, so remain calm and do not run.
- Ask for a lawyer. Avoid answering questions and ask to speak to a lawyer.
- Do not consent to a search. Say out loud that you do not consent to a search in case they attempt to search any property, as this could be challenged in court later.
What if you are stopped while driving?
- Pull over and don't attempt to flee. Stop your vehicle and turn on the emergency lights.
- Show your information. Show your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you do not have a driver's license do not show false documents.
- Do not give unnecessary information. Do not answer questions related to your immigration status or your country of origin.
- You have the right to remain silent. You could avoid questions by saying "I have the right to remain silent" and "I want to speak with a lawyer"
- Do not consent to a search. You have the right to not consent to a search, the officer cannot search your vehicle without consent. The exception is if they have reasonable suspicion or have a valid warrant signed by a judge.
