Know Your Rights: Immigrants Stopped By Police or ICE

Last updated: September 30, 2025 01:39 pm

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We Protect Us. Know Your Rights.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are stopped or questioned by the police or ICE, you should:

  • Remain silent.
  • Remain calm.
  • Say “no” when asked to search.
  • Never show false documents.
  • Never lie about being a U.S. citizen.

You DO NOT have to answer questions about:

  • Your immigration status.
  • Where you were born.
  • How you entered the country.

AT YOUR HOME

If ICE or the police come to your home:

  • Stay calm.
  • Do not open the door.
  • Do not invite them into your home.
  • If they have a warrant for your arrest, ask them to show it to you through the peephole or slip it under the door.
    • An ICE warrant (Form 1-200) does not give them permission to enter your home.
    • A criminal warrant signed by a judge may allow them to enter your home.
  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • Do not lie.
    • Never falsely claim to be a U.S. citizen.
  • Do not show false documents of any kind.
    • This includes a false driver’s license, social security card, or immigration paperwork.

IN A CAR

If you are pulled over while driving or as a passenger:

  • Pull over safely and quickly.
  • Turn off the engine, turn on the internal light, and open the window.
  • Upon request, give the police (1) your driver’s license, (2) registration, (3) proof of insurance.
    • If you do not have one of these, do not give false documents.
  • Do not give the officer permission to search your car.
    • If they search your car after you tell them “no,” do not resist.
  • Do not answer questions about your immigration status.
    • If they are the police, you should ask for their name and badge number and write it down.
    • If they are ICE and ask you for a green card or proof of status, if you have it, you must show it to the officer.

AT WORK

If ICE comes to your workplace:

  • Stay calm.
  • Do not run.
  • Go to a private area of the building.
    • ICE needs a warrant from a judge or your employer’s permission to enter any part of the worksite that is not open to the public (ex: a restaurant's kitchen).
  • Remain silent.
    • You do not have to give ICE your ID, work authorization, or any papers.
    • Any information you give them can be used against you.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED

  • Remain calm.
  • Remain silent.
  • Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.
  • Do not sign anything you do not understand.
  • Say you need an interpreter.

If you are arrested by the police:

  • You have the right to a lawyer even if you cannot pay.
  • You have the right to a phone call.
  • Remember, all calls are monitored and recorded unless you are speaking to a lawyer.

If you are arrested by ICE:

  • You have the right to hire your own lawyer.
  • You have the right to contact your country’s consulate to tell them you have been detained.
  • Give your immigration number or “A-number” (9 digits) to your family to find you.

Related Issues

Immigrants' Rights Derechos De Los Inmigrantes View All Issues

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