KNOW YOUR RIGHTS with ICE
Immigrant Defense Project has been monitoring Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) arrests in the community.
If you want to report a raid within
NYC, call IDP at 212-725-6422
If you want to report a raid
outside of NYC, contact United
We Dream at 1-844-363-1423
Knowing which rights you have and
exercising them is complicated.
For more information on ICE community
arrests, please see IDP’s longer booklet at
immigrantdefenseproject.org/ice-arrests
or contact [email protected]
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS AT RISK OF DEPORTATION, HAVE A PLAN!
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) is one
of the federal government
agencies responsible
for deporting people.
ICE is part of the U.S.
Department of Homeland
Security (DHS).
What are some of the ways ICE may know about me?
If you have been arrested and the police took your ngerprints; sent an application
to immigration or been arrested by immigration in the past; have a pending
criminal case or if you are on probation or parole.
Are ICE agents approaching anyone they think they can deport?
ICE agents usually identify the person they want to arrest ahead of time. Then,
they go to homes, courthouses, shelters and even workplaces to look for that
person. Increasingly, they are waiting on the street to make the arrest.
If I know I’m at risk, what can I do?
• Make a plan with your loved ones in case you are picked up by ICE!
• Talk to a lawyer before you apply to change your immigration status, renew
your greencard, or travel outside of the United States!
These materials are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Images & Content © IDP 2018
People with legal status and prior convictions
Be aware: You may be a target even if:
• Your conviction is from years ago;
• You didn’t serve time in jail;
• Your case was minor or a misdemeanor;
• You’ve been an LPR for a long time; and/or
• All the other members of your family are US
citizens.
Who is at risk of being arrested by ICE?
The law allows the federal government to deport certain immigrants,
including:
• Anyone without lawful immigration status
• People with status (e.g., lawful permanent residents, refugees and visa holders)
who have certain criminal convictions
The people the Trump Administration announced
ICE will initially focus on deporting include:
• people with pending criminal cases and/or prior
criminal convictions;
• people with nal orders of removal;
• people who have committed fraud or
misrepresentation in applications to the government;
• people they believe pose a threat to public safety or
national security
What should I do if ICE agents approach me on the street or in public?
When ICE agents arrest someone in public, it typically happens quickly. They may call your name out loud and ask
you to conrm your name and then detain you.
• Before you say your name or anything else, ask, “AM I FREE TO GO?”
• If they say YES: Say, “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.”
Walk away.
• If they say NO: Use your right to remain silent! Say, “I want to use my right not to answer questions” and
then “I want to speak to a lawyer.”
• If ICE starts to search inside your pockets or belongings, say, “I do not consent to a search.”
• DON’T LIE or show false documents. Don’t ee or resist arrest.
• Don’t answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. They will use any information
you provide against you. Do not hand over any foreign documents such as a passport, consular IDs, or expired
visas.
• If you are in Criminal Court for a court date, ask to speak to your defender before they take you away.
If ofcers come to my home, will I know they are from ICE?
Not always! Beware: ICE agents often pretend to be police and say they want to talk to you about identity theft or
an ongoing investigation.
Can ICE agents enter my home to arrest me?
If ICE agents do not have a warrant signed by a judge, they cannot enter the home without
permission from an adult. Opening the door when they knock does not give them permission to
enter your home.
So, what do I do if ofcers are at my door?
• Find out if they are from DHS or ICE.
• Try to stay calm. Be polite. Don’t lie. Say “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
• Politely ask to see a warrant signed by a judge and to slip it under the door. If they don’t have
one, decline to let them in.
• If they are looking for someone else, ask them to leave contact information. You don’t have to tell them
where to nd the person and you should not lie.
What can I do if ICE is inside my home to make an arrest?
• Tell them if there are children or other vulnerable residents at home.
• Ask them to step outside unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
• If they came inside without your permission, tell them “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please
leave.”
• If they start to search rooms or items in your home, tell them “I do not consent to your search.”
• If ICE is arresting you, tell them if you have medical issues or need to arrange for childcare.
What are my rights if I am being arrested by ICE?
• You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
• DO NOT LIE. It can only hurt you in the future.
• You do NOT have to share any information about where you were born, what your immigration status is, or
your criminal record. Ask to speak to a lawyer instead of answering questions.
• You do NOT have to give them your consular documents or passport unless they have a warrant from a
judge.
• You do not have to sign anything.
Written by IDP with the legal support of the Center for Constitutional Rights.
Updated in January 2018. For more info on ICE tactics and your rights, please see
IDP’s longer booklet at immigrantdefenseproject.org/ice-arrests
