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 namng a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address.
  • 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.

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Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights
ACLU National: Immigrants' Rights | Resources

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