What to Do During
an ICE Encounter
Step-by-step guide to protect yourself and your family during contacts with immigration enforcement. Preparation can make all the difference.
Step-by-Step Scenario Guides
Select your situation for specific instructions
What to do when ICE agents knock on your door
How to respond to a workplace raid
What to do if stopped by police or ICE
What to do if approached by ICE on the street
How to Check a Warrant
Not all warrants give the right to enter your home
DOES give the right to enter
- Signed by a JUDGE (look for judge's signature)
- Issued by a federal or state COURT
- Contains your correct name and address
- Says 'U.S. District Court' or similar
If the warrant is valid, you may have to let them in, but still remain silent and demand a lawyer.
Does NOT give the right to enter
- Signed by an ICE OFFICER (not a judge)
- Form I-200 (Arrest Warrant) or I-205 (Deportation Warrant)
- NOT issued by a court
- Says 'Department of Homeland Security'
You can refuse entry. Say: 'This is not a judicial warrant. I do not consent to entry.'
- Ask to see the warrant through the window or under the door — DO NOT open the door
- Look carefully: judge's signature vs. ICE officer's signature
- Check that your name and address are correct
- If unsure — don't consent to entry and call a lawyer
- Photograph the warrant through the window if safe
Quick Emergency Actions
What to do RIGHT NOW if ICE is at your door
Stay Calm
Take a deep breath. You have rights and time to think.
Call for Help
Call the hotline: 1-800-795-1800
Start Recording
If safe, start video/audio recording of what's happening.
Text Family
Send a pre-written emergency message to your designated contact.
Use the Script
'I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not consent to a search. I want to speak with a lawyer.'
Alert Neighbors
If possible, signal trusted neighbors to be witnesses.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Be prepared before an emergency happens
Having a plan will help protect your family if you are detained. Discuss these steps with family and trusted friends.
- •Choose a trusted person to care for children
- •Choose someone to contact if you are detained
- •Share lawyer contacts with family
- •Keep copies of birth certificates, passports, and IDs in a safe place
- •Store immigration documents separately from originals
- •Give copies to a trusted person outside your home
- •Hotline: 1-800-795-1800
- •Your lawyer's number
- •Emergency contact number
- •Write a power of attorney for child care
- •Include permission to pick up children from school
- •Document children's medical needs and allergies
- •Keep emergency cash in an accessible place
- •Share bank account information with a trusted person
- •Document bill payments and important accounts
- •Talk to children about possibilities in an age-appropriate way
- •Create a code word to signal family members
- •Practice staying calm in stressful situations