Regardless of your immigration status, you have certain constitutional rights. Understanding and exercising these rights can significantly impact your ability to defend yourself should you ever be placed into removal (“deportation”) proceedings.

If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents come to your home, it is crucial to remember the following:

  1. Stay Calm and Do Not Open the Door
    ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window. If it is not signed by a judge or has incorrect information, you are not required to let them in.  An ICE Warrant is not a judicial warrant and you do not have to open the door to officers who only have an ICE Warrant.  I have included a sample of what a judicial warrant looks like as opposed to an ICE warrant below.
  2. Remain Silent
    You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer any questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the country. Simply state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
  3. Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
    ICE agents may try to pressure you into signing documents that could affect your legal status. Do not sign anything without speaking to an immigration attorney first.
  4. Ask to Speak to a Lawyer
    You have the right to consult with an attorney. If you are detained, ask to call your lawyer or a trusted person who can help you find legal representation.
  5. Document Everything
    If possible, take notes, record interactions, or ask a trusted person to witness and document what happens. This information could be important for your legal case.
  6. Do Not Provide False Documents or Information

Providing false documents or information to an immigration or law enforcement officer can cause lasting and permanent damage to your immigration case or defense.

For more detailed guidance, please refer to the following flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which outlines important steps to take if ICE agents come to your home.know your rights- home visit

If you or a loved one need legal assistance regarding your immigration case, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help you understand and assert your rights.