Understanding your rights when interacting with immigration enforcement
Everyone in the United States has rights under the Constitution, regardless of immigration status. Knowing your rights can help protect you, your family, and your community.
Your Basic Rights
These fundamental protections apply to everyone in the United States:
You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to answer questions from immigration officers about where you were born, your immigration status, or how you entered the United States. You can say: "I choose to remain silent."
You have the right to ask for a lawyer.
If you are detained or questioned, you can say: "I want to speak to a lawyer." Do not sign documents you do not understand.
You have the right to refuse consent to a search.
Officers generally cannot search your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative immigration warrants are not the same as judicial warrants and do not allow officers to enter your home without permission.
You have the right to record or document encounters.
You can record or document encounters with law enforcement in most public settings as long as you do not interfere.
For more information, see the American Civil Liberties Union's guide to immigrants' rights.
If ICE Stops You in Public
If immigration officers approach you in public:
- Ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, you may calmly walk away.
- If you are not free to leave, you still have the right to remain silent.
- Do not run, resist physically, or provide false information.
- You may carry a Know Your Rights card stating you wish to remain silent.
Printable cards are available from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
If ICE Comes to Your Home
You do not have to open the door for immigration agents unless they have a valid judicial warrant.
If officers come to your door:
- Do not open the door.
- Ask them to show the warrant through a window or slide it under the door.
- Check that it is signed by a judge and includes your correct name and address.
- Administrative ICE warrants (Form I-200 or I-205) do not allow officers to enter without permission.
If you open the door and allow officers inside, you may lose some legal protections. It is usually safest to keep the door closed while verifying a warrant.
The National Immigration Law Center provides detailed guidance.
If Someone Is Detained
If a family member or community member is detained by immigration authorities, it is important to act quickly.
Find the Detainee
You can locate a detained person using the ICE detainee locator.
Contact Legal Help
Contact an immigration attorney or trusted legal organization as soon as possible. The Immigration Advocates Network provides a directory of services.
Preparing Your Family
Many organizations recommend that immigrant families create a preparedness plan in case of immigration enforcement.
Emergency Contact
Identify a trusted person to contact in case of emergency.
Important Documents
Keep copies of important documents in a safe, accessible place.
Attorney Contact
Have the contact information for an immigration attorney ready.
Childcare Plan
Plan for who will care for children if a parent is detained.
Resources for Students and Young People
Young immigrants and students may face unique challenges during immigration enforcement situations. Several organizations provide resources specifically for youth and students.
Know Your Rights Materials for Youth
United We Dream provides Know Your Rights materials and guides for immigrant youth.
School Protections
The National Immigration Law Center provides guidance about protections for students and schools. Students in the United States generally have the right to attend public school regardless of immigration status, a protection that comes from the Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe (1982).
Visual Guides and Videos
We Have Rights offers short videos explaining what to do if immigration officers come to your home or approach you in public. The Immigrant Defense Project provides visual guides and explanations of immigration enforcement tactics.
Finding Legal Help
Immigration law is complex and constantly changing. If you need help, seek legal advice from a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted nonprofit organization.
Immigration Advocates Network
immigrationadvocates.org - Directory of nonprofit immigration legal services across the United States.
American Immigration Lawyers Association
aila.org - Professional organization of immigration attorneys.
Immi Legal Screening Tool
immi.org - Helps connect you with attorneys or accredited legal representatives who provide free or low-cost services.
Important Reminder
Knowing your rights can help protect you, but every situation is different. Policies and enforcement practices can change, and laws may vary by location. If possible, consult a qualified immigration attorney to understand your specific situation.
Learning your rights and sharing them with your community helps ensure that everyone can respond calmly and safely during interactions with immigration enforcement.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information, not legal advice. For legal help, contact a qualified immigration attorney. This information may change as laws and policies evolve.