What To Do If ICE Comes to Your Door or Work?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 6: An ICE agent monitors hundreds of asylum seekers being processed upon entering the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 6, 2023 in New York City. New York City has provided sanctuary to over 46,000 asylum seekers since 2013, when the city passed a law prohibiting city agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement agencies unless there is a warrant for the person's arrest.(Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
President Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration has already started. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) reportedly arrested over 300 on the first day of the administration’s new policies, with officers enforcing immigration laws now authorized to arrest migrants at churches, courthouses, and schools. This comes after the new administration threw out policies that limited where arrests could happen.
To protect yourself, your loved ones, your neighbors, or your co-workers, here’s what to do if ICE comes to your door or work. And remember, no matter what, you have rights.
¿Lo necesitas en español? Lee lo aquí: ¿Qué hacer si ICE llega a tu casa o trabajo?
Here’s what to do if ICE comes to your door:
- If officers knock on your door, you don’t have to open it right away. Ask them to identify themselves first and confirm they’re from ICE.
- Also, ask why they’re there, and request an interpreter if you need one.
- If they request entry, ask them if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they don’t, you don’t have to open the door. An administrative warrant or removal from immigration authorities is not enough, the warrant needs to be signed by a judge.
- If they say they do have a warrant, ask them to slip it under the door. Check the signature line to see if it was issued by a court and signed by a judge.
- If ICE officers make their way inside, do not resist. Make sure no one intervenes.
- If you are arrested, you have a right to remain silent. Don’t say anything without talking to an attorney first. Here’s what you can say: “I do not consent to your entry or your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
- Make sure you don’t sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
Here’s what to do if ICE comes to your work:
- Ask if you are being detained or if you’re free to leave. If you’re free to leave, walk out.
- You do not have to consent to a search at your place of work.
- If you have valid immigration documents, show them. Never provide false documents.
- You have a right to remain silent. You don’t have to discuss your immigration status, where you were born, how you entered the U.S., or whether you are a citizen with anyone.
- Just as you would if they show up at your home, if you are detained, you can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
- You have a right to record your interactions with ICE agents, as long as you do not get in the way of what they’re doing.
- Make sure you don’t sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
Information provided by ACLU. To learn more, go here.
