Know Your Rights

• If officers are at your door, keep the door closed and ask if they are Immigration agents, or from ICE.
• Ask the agents what they are there for.
• Opening the door does not give the agents permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to ICE through the door.
• If the agents don’t speak your language, ask for an interpreter.
• If the agents want to enter, ask them if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If ICE agents do not have a warrant signed by a Judge, you may refuse to open the door or let them in. An administrative warrant of removal from immigration authorities is not enough.
• If they say they have a warrant, ask them to slip the warrant under the door.
• Look at the top and at the signature line to see if it was issued by a court and signed by a judge. Only a court/judge warrant is enough for entry into your premises. One issued by DHS or ICE and signed by a DHS or ICE employee is not.
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address.

Warrant Example

• In all other cases, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
• If agents force their way in anyway, do not attempt to resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.” 
• Everyone in the residence may also exercise the right to remain silent.
• DO NOT LIE OR SHOW FALSE DOCUMENTS.
• DO NOT SIGN ANY PAPERS WITHOUT SPEAKING TO A LAWYER.

 

• ACLU KYR When Encountering Law Enforcement
• Know your rights
• What To Do If Immigration Agents Are At Your Door
• Living in the United States A Guide for Immigrant Youth
• Family Preparedness Plan

 

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