ICE Agents At Your Door

You are not legally required to let them in unless they have a warrant.

If you don’t speak English, you have the right to an interpreter.

There are two kinds of warrants: search and arrest.

• A search warrant allows police to enter the address listed on the warrant, but officers can only search the areas and for the items listed.
• An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person listed is inside. A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.

They might show administrative forms (I-200 and I-205). But if they don’t have a warrant signed by a judge, you may refuse entry.

• If it's a search warrant, make sure it is for your address; if not, you don’t have to open.
• If it's an arrest warrant, make sure it is for someone who lives at your address; if not, you don’t have to open.

Say: “I plead the Fifth Amendment and choose to remain silent.”

Remain calm, but don’t share any information.

You’re entitled to speak to a lawyer before cooperating and most importantly, keep calm because YOU HAVE RIGHTS, EXERCISE THEM.

State that you do not consent to a search. ICE can enter areas open to the general public (dining area, parking lot, waiting room) of a business without permission. But that does not give ICE the authority to detain, question, or arrest anyone.

If agents don't have a warrant, calmly ask them to leave. Advise workers that they have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions, but do not direct anyone not to answer questions.

Make sure the warrant has the correct address for your workplace. Review the warrant to see what areas and items ICE is authorized to search. ICE is not authorized to search areas or inspect items that are not described in the warrant.

Do not run, ICE can use that as a reason to arrest you. Do not encourage anyone to escape or hide.

Under California law, employers cannot turn over employee records or voluntarily allow immigration agents to enter non-public areas of the workplace without a judicial warrant.

Write down the name, contact information, and badge number of officers or agents. If the agent refuses to provide documentation, you should note that as well. Document any violence or abuse. Document the details of the search, and persons or property taken. Call the rapid response hotline in your area.

• Mobile Justice AppDownload the free Mobile Justice app to record interactions with law enforcement and immigration officials and have Know Your Rights information at your fingertips.
• We Have Rights videosVideos with information on what to do when interacting with ICE in:
  • English
  • Spanish (Español)
  • Urdu (اردو)
  • Arabic (عربي)
  • Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen)
  • Russian (Ру́сский)
  • Mandarin (中文)
• Local Rapid Response Hotlines
  • Central Valley 559-206-0151
  • Kern County 661-432-2230
  • Los Angeles 888-624-4752
  • Boyle Heights (L.A.) 323-805-1049
  • Orange County 714-881-1558
  • San Bernardino/Riverside 909-361-4588
  • CHIRLA 213-353-1333
  • ORALE (Long Beach) 562-276-0267
  • Immigrant Rapid Response Hotline 805-870-8855 (Santa Barbara, Ventura & San Luis Obispo)
• Find a Person in Detention
  • Access ICE's online detainee locator at https://locator.ice.gov
  • Call the Southern California field office at 213-830-7911
• Be PreparedMake sure your family knows:
  • Your A number so they can find you if you get arrested
  • The phone number of a trusted resource for immigration legal advice
  • Which friends and relatives can help with family obligations