Educate. Elevate. Empower.

Your Rights, Your Safety: What to Do During an ICE Encounter

If you encounter ICE or other immigration officers, knowing your rights can make a critical difference.

If You Encounter ICE Away From Home (Street, Work, Public Places)

  • Stay calm. Do not run.
  • Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, walk away calmly.
  • You can refuse to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the country.
  • If you are detained, say clearly:
    “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
  • Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer.
  • Do not provide false documents or false information.
  • You generally do not have to give officers access to your phone without a warrant, though the law in this area is complex.
  • If you have medical conditions or take medication, inform officers and detention staff as soon as possible.

If ICE Comes to Your Home

  • You do not have to open the door.
  • Ask officers to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window.
  • Do not open the door unless they show a warrant signed by a judge with your correct name and address.
  • A document signed by ICE or the Department of Homeland Security is not the same as a judicial warrant.
  • You can say through the door:
    “I do not consent to entry. Please leave.”

If You Witness an ICE Action

If you see ICE officers detaining someone, you can help by documenting what you observe from a safe distance. Note the time, location, and what you see. If possible, video record from a public space. Follow all local laws and do not interfere with officers. Contact a local rapid response network or legal organization immediately to report what is happening.

Your Rights

Regardless of immigration status, everyone in the United States has certain constitutional protections.

Right to remain silent
You do not have to discuss your immigration status. You can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Right to refuse entry without a judicial warrant
You do not have to open your door unless ICE shows a warrant signed by a judge. A document signed by ICE or the Department of Homeland Security is not the same as a judicial warrant.

Right to refuse consent to a search
Officers generally need your permission or a valid warrant to search your home.

Right to a lawyer
You can ask to contact an attorney, though the government is not required to provide one in immigration proceedings.

Your rights apply at home, at work, and in public, though officers’ authority can differ by location.

Key Resources and Hotlines

Local Rapid Response Networks in many cities provide immediate legal support and accompaniment during enforcement actions. Search your city name plus “immigration rapid response.”

Finding Legal Help

You can also contact local bar associations, law schools, and community organizations about pro bono legal clinics.

Preparing in Advance

  • If you have children, make a written plan for who will care for them if you are detained. Make sure that person has key contact information and knows your wishes.
  • Keep important documents in a safe place where trusted people can access them.
  • Store attorney contact information in your phone and write it down in a secure location.
  • Consider carrying a small “know your rights” card.

Being prepared does not make you a target. It helps you respond more safely if something happens.

Sources

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