All persons living in the United States, even undocumented immigrants, have certain constitutional rights. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers or ICE are federal agents that must follow a certain procedure. If ICE Officers come to your door, you do not have to let them in or even open the door unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
Ask the officers to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window. Read it carefully and if your name or address is wrong you do not have to open the door.
It’s important to note that a deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant, and if that is the only document they have, you don’t have to let them in.
Even if officers have a valid warrant, you do not have to answer questions and you do have the right to remain silent. If you choose to remain silent then say so out loud. And if you have one, you can show a know-your-rights card that says you would like to see a lawyer.
While you may refuse to show officers identity documents or reveal your country of origin, do not lie or show false documents.
If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer. If you don’t have one, ask an immigration officer for a list of pro-bono lawyers. It is your right to refuse to sign any and all paperwork until you have been able to consult with a legal practitioner.
More information can be found on the American Civil Liberties Union website at aclu.org.
