Stay Protected. Stay Informed.

Do not lie to ICE or present false documents: Giving false information or forged documents to immigration officers can lead to criminal charges, deportation, and future immigration bans.
Avoid carrying your foreign passport, Consular ID, DUI, etc.: Your foreign passport may indicate your nationality and immigration status, which could be used against you in certain situations.

Original Birth Certificate or Immigration Applications: These documents are valuable but should be stored safely rather than carried daily.

Original Social Security Card: Instead, carry a printed copy if necessary. Losing the original can lead to identity theft.
Expired or Invalid Visas/Documents: Carrying expired documents may create confusion and could lead to unnecessary complications in an interaction with immigration authorities.

Any Document with Sensitive Personal Information: Documents containing sensitive personal data, such as tax returns or bank statements, should be securely stored and not carried unless absolutely necessary.

ICE can only arrest you if they believe you are in the U.S. without legal status or are deportable. You have the right to remain silent and not provide information that may lead to your detention, including your nationality or immigration status.

• If Stopped, Ask "Am I Free to Go?":

  • If YES:

    • Clearly state: “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.”

    • Slowly walk away.

  • If NO, ask: “Am I being detained?”:

    • If NO:

      • Clearly state: “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.”

      • Slowly walk away.

    • If YES:

      • Say: “I would like to speak to an immigration attorney.”

      • Clearly state: “I want to exercise my right to remain silent.”

• Your Rights:

  • The 4th Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures.

    • After and if they pad you down for weapons (safety search on you), If you feel the search is illegal, say: “I do not consent to this search.”

  • Do not run, as this could give ICE a reason to stop you or use excessive force.

  • Do not lie to ICE or present false documents, as this may lead to criminal or civil charges.

  • Avoid carrying your foreign passport with you.

  • Request translations of any documents. You may also request an interpreter if the officer does not speak your language.

  • Record the incident. 

• Public Spaces: ICE agents can freely enter public areas of a workplace (e.g., a lobby or waiting area).

• Non-Public Spaces: ICE cannot enter non-public areas (e.g., a kitchen) without:

  • Voluntary consent from the employer.

  • A valid warrant signed by a Judge.

  •  Employers can deny ICE entry without a valid warrant, and unauthorized entry can be challenged in court.

• Businesses are also allowed to refuse service to anyone; they can and should ask ICE to leave.

• Assert your right to remain silent and request an immigration lawyer.

• If threatened with force, comply with what feels safe but do not argue, touch an agent, or interfere with a search.

• Educate coworkers about their rights, including the right to remain silent.

• Make sure everyone knows how to respond if ICE appears.

• Document all events following a raid in detail (refer to the " Know Your Rights When Recording section).

• Create a work safety plan to prepare if ICE comes to the workplace, and practice this like a fire drill with staff.

• Clearly label workplace areas as public or non-public.