All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights.If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights:

You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.

•       An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, theycannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in.

•       If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.

•       If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge you do not have to open the door or let them inside.

•       If at any point you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door to do so. You can speak to them through the door or step outside and close the door.

You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.

•       If you are asked where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent.

•       If you choose to remain silent, say “I choose to remain silent.”

•       You may show a know-your-rights card (English) (Spanish) to the officer that explains that you will remain silent and wish to speak to a lawyer.

•       You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from.

•       Do not show any false documents and do not lie.

You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to seek an attorney and to receive a phone call from your attorney. Ask for a copy of the Detainee  Handbook to understand the Detention Center's rules.

•        Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to one.

•        If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If you have a signed Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an officer.

•        If you do not have a lawyer, ask an immigration officer for a list of pro bono lawyers.

•       You also have the right to contact your consulate. The consulate may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer.

•       You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.

•        If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what thedocument says and means before you sign it.

•       You have the right to speak to request to make a phone call to family members or friends for free if youdo not have enough money in your account after 10 days.

Source: 1/31/25 AILA Doc. No. 25012112.

For more information, contact SanSha Law Office at [email protected] or call us at 469-777-6161

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended to be nor should it be construed as legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this blog without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney. We regularly update our blog section to acquaint the community with the latest changes in Immigration policies. We can promptly and efficiently represent clients located anywhere in the US or abroad on US Immigration Policies. If you seek further clarification, don't hesitate to contact SanSha Law Office at [email protected] or call us at 469-777-6161.