Immigration-Specific Know-Your-Rights

Participants who fear they may be stopped or targeted by ICE (Immigrant and Customs Enforcement), police, or the FBI regarding their immigration status can arm themselves with knowledge that will help to assert certain rights that all individuals have in the U.S. regardless of status.

If you are questioned about your immigration status:

  • You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer any questions about where you were born or your documentation status, [NOTE: This does not apply at international borders and airports]

  • If you are not a U.S. Citizen and an immigration agent requests to see your papers, you must show them. If you don’t have papers, say you wish to remain silent.

  • More information is available is available in Spanish through the ACLU.

If ICE officers are at your door:

  • If officers are at your door, keep your door closed and ask if they are immigration agents or from ICE. Ask the agents what they are there for

  • If agents want to enter ask them if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If not, you may refuse to open your door. If they do have a warrant, ask them to slip it under the door.

    • Note: an administrative warrant of removal from immigration authorities is not enough.

  • Only if the warrant is signed by a judge and names an individual or multiple people in your residence do you have to open your door.

  • If they do have a warrant, you may keep the door closed and say, “I do not consent to your entry.”

    • If an officer attempts to force their way in, do not attempt to resist. Instead, you may say “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises.” You may exercise your right to remain silent.

  • Do not sign any papers without speaking to a lawyer.

  • More information is available in Spanish through the ACLU.