If ICE Comes
To Your Door.
You have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status. These rights apply to every person on U.S. soil. Here is exactly what to do — and what not to do.
Your 6 Rights.
Memorize Them.
You have the right to REMAIN SILENT.
CriticalYou do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the country. Say clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
5th Amendment; Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)
You do NOT have to open the door.
CriticalICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. An administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does NOT authorize entry into your home. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door. If it says "Immigration Judge" or is signed by an ICE officer — not a federal judge — do not open the door.
Payton v. New York, 445 U.S. 573 (1980); 4th Amendment
You have the right to refuse a search.
Say clearly: "I do not consent to a search." Without your consent or a valid judicial warrant, ICE cannot search your home, car, or belongings. Anything found in an unlawful search may be suppressed.
Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961); Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218 (1973)
Do NOT sign anything.
CriticalDo not sign any documents presented by ICE without speaking to an attorney first. Signing a "voluntary departure" form waives your right to a hearing before an immigration judge and can result in a bar to re-entry.
8 U.S.C. § 1229c; Matter of Arguelles-Campos, 22 I&N Dec. 811 (BIA 1999)
You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
Before answering any questions or signing anything, you have the right to consult with an attorney. If you are detained, you have the right to make a phone call. ICE must provide you with a list of free legal service providers.
8 C.F.R. § 287.3(c); INA § 292; Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319 (1976)
These rights apply to EVERYONE.
The 4th and 5th Amendment protections apply to all persons on U.S. soil — regardless of immigration status, citizenship, or documentation. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed this.
Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678 (2001); Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982)
Administrative Warrant vs. Judicial Warrant.
This distinction is everything.
Administrative Warrant
Do NOT Open DoorForms: Form I-200 (Warrant for Arrest) or Form I-205 (Warrant of Removal)
Signed by: ICE officer or immigration official
Do NOT open the door. Say: "This is not a judicial warrant. I do not consent to entry."
Judicial Warrant
Must Allow EntryForms: Signed by a U.S. District Court Judge or Magistrate Judge
Signed by: Federal judge — must name your specific address
You must allow entry. Remain silent. Do not answer questions. Call an attorney immediately.
After the Encounter.
Document everything immediately
Write down the names and badge numbers of every officer, the exact time, what was said, and what happened. This is evidence.
Contact an immigration attorney
Even if nothing happened, an attorney can advise you on your specific situation and help you prepare for future encounters.
File a complaint if your rights were violated
If ICE entered without a judicial warrant, searched without consent, or used excessive force, you can file a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General and the ACLU.
Send a formal response letter
iamPRO-SE generates a formal ICE Encounter Response Letter citing your constitutional rights — creating a documented record of your invocation of rights.
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