Know Your Rights: ICE and Immigration

• Remember your right to remain silent. ICE may try to get  you to reveal incriminating information about your immigration status or family. Remember you do not have to answer their questions until you have a lawyer present.

• Do not try to fight back or run. Attempting to flee gives ICE a reason to arrest you or attempt more dangerous methods. If you are questioned, ask if you are free to leave before walking away.

• Request to see a judicial warrant if they attempt to enter your home.  You do not have to open the door for immigration officials if they do not have a signed judicial warrant. Ask them to slide the paper under the door. Do not open the door if they do not have a warrant, or you will lose some of your rights.

Make sure that you have a back-up plan for your children in case you are arrested or taken in for questioning. Have an emergency caretaker who will be able to look after your family in case of an emergency. 

Make sure you are carrying proof of US citizenship or residency on you at all times, such as a passport or state ID. An I-94, a Green Card, employment authorization card, or I-797 (pending/approved immigration case) are also viable documents to show. Do not carry foreign documents like passports from your origin country.

If you hold a green card and have past criminal convictions, avoid international travel as it has proven to lead to deportation or loss of your green card. 

References + Resources:

• https://nslegalaid.org/articles/essential-documents-to-carry-if-stopped-by-ice/

• https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/know-your-rights/step-step-family-preparedness-plan#item-4326

• https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/alert-green-card-holders-and-risks-of-traveling-after-recent-supreme-court-decision/

• https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Home-Raid-community-Flyer-ENGL-February-2025.pdf