Know Your Immigration Rights

Whether you're undocumented, part of a mixed-status family, or simply concerned about your rights, this page is here to empower you with knowledge, tools, and resources—before, during, and after any encounter with ICE.

Before an ICE Encounter: Be Prepared

1. Create an Emergency Plan

• Appoint a trusted emergency contact.

• Write down important numbers (immigration attorney, family, school, etc.).

• Arrange childcare or eldercare if needed.

• Make a “Family Preparedness Plan” (sample PDF link).

• Keep important documents in one place: passports, birth certificates, medical records, etc.

2. Memorize Key Rights

• You have the right to remain silent.

• You do NOT have to open the door unless ICE has a signed warrant with your name and address.

• You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

3. Power of Attorney

• Designate someone to make legal or financial decisions in case you’re detained.

4. Know Your Local Resources

• Find legal clinics, community groups, and trusted allies.

During an ICE Encounter: Stay Calm

If ICE comes to your door:

• Do not open the door.

• Ask them to slide the warrant under the door.

  • A valid warrant is signed by a judge (not ICE).

• You can say:
  “I do not wish to speak with you without my lawyer present.”

If you’re stopped in public:

• Stay calm and do not run.

• You may remain silent.

• Ask: “Am I free to leave?” If they say yes, walk away.

Do NOT:

• Show false documents.

• Lie.

• Sign anything without understanding it or without a lawyer.

After an ICE Encounter or Detention

1. Call your emergency contact.
Make sure someone knows where you are and what happened.

2. Contact a trusted immigration attorney.
You have the right to a lawyer, but not a free one in immigration court.

3. Know Your Case Status
Use the EOIR Hotline at 800-898-7180 to check your immigration court case.

4. Locate a detained loved one:
Use the ICE Detainee Locator

5. Get Support from Advocacy Groups:

• RAICES

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

• United We Dream

• National Immigration Law Center

• NAHREP (Real estate advocacy, including immigrant protection)

Downloadable Resources

• “What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Door” (printable card)

• Family Emergency Plan Template (PDF) https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/family_preparedness_plan.pdf

• Rights flyers in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and more