Know your rights and be prepared if you encounter ICE.

Everyone living in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, has basic rights. Knowing these rights and being prepared in advance can help you and your family navigate difficult situations with more peace and security.

1. Prepare a Family Safety Plan

Being prepared ahead of time can reduce stress in emergency situations.

• Choose trusted emergency contacts and make sure you remember their phone numbers.

• Inform your child’s school or daycare who is allowed to pick up your child if you are unavailable.

• Provide written permission allowing a trusted person to make medical or legal decisions for your child if needed.

• Let family members or close friends know that if you are detained by immigration authorities, they may be able to locate you using the official ICE detainee locator website:https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

• Learn about guardianship options so your children are protected if you cannot care for them temporarily.

  
  

2. Understand and Protect Your Rights

All people in the United States are protected by the Constitution, including the right to remain silent. Encounters with law enforcement or immigration officials can be stressful, but staying calm is very important.

During any interaction with law enforcement:

• Remain calm and respectful. Do not run, argue, resist, or physically interfere, even if you feel the situation is unfair.

• Keep your hands visible at all times. If you need to reach for identification or documents, clearly explain what you are doing first.

• Never give false information or present fake documents.

  
  

If You Are Stopped While Driving

• Politely ask whether the officer is from the local police department or from immigration authorities.

• Some immigration officers may say they are “police,” so you may ask directly if they are with ICE or CBP.

• Your response should depend on your legal status.

  
  

If you are a U.S. citizen or have legal status:

• You may show valid documents such as a passport, green card, or work permit.

• Adults should keep their legal documents accessible.

  
  

If you do not have legal status:

• You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or country of origin.

• You may choose to remain silent. Anything you say can later be used in immigration proceedings.

  
  

If Officers Come to Your Home

• You are not required to open the door.

• Teach children not to open the door to unknown individuals.

• Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home.

• Documents issued by ICE that are not signed by a judge do not automatically allow entry without your consent.

  
  

If You See Immigration Activity Nearby

• Move to a safe indoor location if possible.

• If you are a U.S. citizen and feel safe, you may record what you see or write down details such as time, location, and badge numbers.

• Always avoid interfering with officers or placing yourself in danger.

  
  

Please Avoid

• Sharing unconfirmed or misleading information on social media.

• Interfering with law enforcement operations or putting yourself at risk.

  
  

Important Disclaimer & Proper Attribution (Recommended to Include)

Disclaimer:This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration laws and individual situations vary. For legal guidance, consult a qualified immigration attorney.

Acknowledgment:This guidance is based on general information from publicly available immigrant rights resources and legal education materials from recognized nonprofit and advocacy organizations. Content has been summarized and rewritten for community education purposes.

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