Your rights during an ICE encounter
What you need to know and do if ICE shows up at your home, workplace, or stops you on the street. Knowing your rights can make a difference.
Regardless of your immigration status, the U.S. Constitution protects you. You have the right to remain silent, to a lawyer and to refuse searches without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
ICE can knock on your door but cannot enter without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. An ICE 'administrative warrant' does NOT give them the right to enter. You can speak through a closed door.
If stopped on the street, clearly say: 'I invoke my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.' Don't sign anything without talking to a lawyer. Memorize the agent's name and badge number.
Designate a trusted family member or friend as an emergency contact. Always carry the number of an immigration lawyer. Use Avenia's SOS feature to alert your contacts.