If ICE Visits Your Home
🏠 At Your Home
All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If immigration officers knock on your door, you have the rights described on this page.
1
You do not have to open the door
You are not required to open your door or let 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 officers only have a deportation warrant, they cannot enter unless you verbally agree to let them in.
- If 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, OR is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door or let them inside.
- If you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door. You can speak to them through the door, or step outside and close the door behind you.
⚖️ From Our Attorneys
At Rathee Law Firm, with more than a decade of immigration practice, we have seen many cases where officers at the door carried only a deportation warrant — which does not authorize entry. Always ask to see the document before opening the door.
2
You have the right to remain silent
You do not need to speak to 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, you can say: “I choose to remain silent.”
- You may show a “know-your-rights” card explaining 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 false documents. Do not lie. Lying can lead to much more serious consequences than remaining silent.
⚖️ From Our Attorneys
Remaining silent is often the safest choice. Anything you say can be used against you in immigration proceedings. If you are unsure what to say, say nothing.
3
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 receive a phone call from your attorney.
- Even if you do not have a lawyer, tell the officers you want to speak to one.
- If you already 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 for a list of pro bono (free) lawyers.
- You have the right to contact your country’s consulate. The consulate may be able to help you find a lawyer.
- Refuse to sign any paperwork until you have spoken to a lawyer. If you choose to sign, make sure you fully understand what it means.
- You have the right to request a phone call to family or friends (free after 10 days if you do not have enough money in your account).
⚖️ From Our Attorneys
Signing documents without understanding them can result in waiving rights you did not know you had — including your right to a hearing. When in doubt, do not sign. Ask for a lawyer first.
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📞 (917) 803-1117Content adapted from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) with customization by Rathee Law Firm P.C.
This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, contact a licensed immigration attorney.
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