By Immigrant Defense Project (immigrantdefenseproject.org)
Who is at risk of being arrested by ICE?
The law allows the federal government to deport certain immigrants, including anyone without lawful immigration status or people with status who have certain criminal convictions.
If I know I’m at risk, what can I do?
• Make a plan with your loved ones!
• Avoid contact with Immigration – don’t apply to change your immigration status or to renew your greencard and don’t travel outside of the United States without talking to a lawyer first!
• Avoid contact with the Criminal Justice System which can share your fingerprints with ICE!
What should I do if ICE agents approach me on the street or in public?
• Before you say your name or anything else, ask, “AM I FREE TO GO?”
• If they say YES: Say, “I don’t want to answer your questions.” Walk away.
• If they say NO: Use your right to remain silent! Say, “I want to use my right not to answer questions” and then “I want to speak to a lawyer.”
• If ICE starts to search inside your pockets or belongings, say, “I do not consent to a search.”
• DON’T LIE or show false documents. Don’t flee or resist arrest.
• Don’t answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. They will use any information you provide against you. Do not hand over any foreign documents such as a passport, consular IDs, or expired visas.
If officers come to my home, will I know they are from ICE?
Not always! Beware: ICE agents often pretend to be police and say they want to talk to you about identity theft or an ongoing investigation.
Can ICE agents enter my home to arrest me?
If ICE agents do not have a warrant signed by a judge, they cannot legally enter a home without permission from an adult. Opening the door does not give them permission to enter your home.
So, what do I do if officers are at my door?
• Find out if they are from DHS or ICE. Try to stay calm. Say “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
• Politely ask to see a warrant signed by a judge and to slip it under the door. If they don’t
have one, decline to let them in.
• If they are looking for someone else, ask them to leave contact information. You don’t have to tell them where to find the person and you should not lie.
What can I do if ICE is inside my home to make an arrest?
• Tell them if there are children or other vulnerable residents at home.
• Ask them to step outside unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
• If they came inside without your permission, tell them “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.”
• If they start to search rooms or items in your home, tell them “I do not consent to your search.”
• If ICE is arresting you, tell them if you have medical issues or need to arrange for childcare.
What are my rights if I am being arrested by ICE?
• You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
• DO NOT LIE. It can only hurt you in the future.
• You do NOT have to share any information about where you were born, what your immigration status is, or your criminal record. Ask to speak to a lawyer instead of answering questions.
• You do NOT have to give them your consular documents or passport unless they have a warrant from a judge.
• You do not have to sign anything.
Para leer esta información sobre ICE en español visite: immigrantdefenseproject.org/conozca-sus-derechos-con-ice/