Know Your Rights in the Event of an ICE Raid on Your Home

By Jairo Rodriguez | February 14, 2025

If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) conducts a raid at your home, it’s important to know your rights and how to respond. Understanding what to do during an ICE raid can help protect you and your family. Please remember you are still protected by the U.S. Constitution and can enforce your rights even if you are undocumented and do not have status in the U.S.

Your Constitutional Rights:

If ICE is knocking on your door, you do not have to open it unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge.
A search warrant must be issued and signed by a judge. If ICE agents show up without a warrant, you can refuse to let them in. Always ask to see the warrant and confirm that it is signed by a judge and has your name and address.
A warrant signed by an ICE officer is not valid for entry.
If the warrant is valid, you may need to allow them inside, but you still have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about your immigration status.
You also have the right to remain silent if questioned by ICE. You do not have to provide information about your immigration status, and anything you say could be used against you.
It’s helpful to record the names and badge numbers of the agents and take note of any details about the raid in case you need to take legal action later.
If U.S. citizens or lawful residents are in the home, they cannot be detained just because others are undocumented.
If you or a family member is detained, contact an immigration attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected.