Immigration Resources

Immigration Resources
 

Your Rights:

• You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to discuss your immigration status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. If you wish to exercise your right, say that you wish to remain silent.

• If an immigration agent asks to search you, you have the right to say no. You do not have to consent to a search of your belongings.

• You have the right to speak to a lawyer if detained. You can ask for a list of free services. If arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.

• You do not have to let the police or immigration agents into your home unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

• If arrested by police or detained by ICE, you have the right to a private phone call and the right to be visited by a lawyer.

 

Warrants:

• Judicial Warrant: The ONLY warrant that allows an immigration officer to enter your property. It must:

  • Be issued by a judicial court and signed by a state or federal judge or magistrate (NOT an immigration judge).

  • Contain YOUR address.

  • Be executed within the time period on the warrant.

  • If missing any of the above, you do not have to comply and may ask the agents to leave.

• Immigration Warrant: There are two types – Warrant for Arrest (Form I-200) and Warrant for Removal/Deportation (Form I-205).

  • These do not authorize an immigration officer to enter your property, and you may ask them to leave.

 

If stopped by police or ICE:

• Never lie or provide false information.

• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or do anything without a lawyer present.

• If arrested by police, you have the right to a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.

• If detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate.

• Remember your immigration number (“A” number) and give it to your family so they can locate you.

• Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.

• If you are a non-citizen:

  • Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal plea on your immigration status.

  • Don’t talk about your status with anyone but a lawyer.

  • Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer.

  • Read all papers fully. If you do not understand, tell the officer you need an interpreter.

 

If police or ICE are at your home:

• Ask if they are immigration agents, what they are there for, to show a badge or identification through the window or peephole, and if they have a warrant signed by a judge.

• If they say they do, ask them to slide it under your door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.

• Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer.

• Do not open your door unless ICE shows a judicial search warrant. If they don’t show a valid warrant, keep the door closed and tell them you do not consent to their entry.

• If agents force their way in, do not resist. Say that you do not consent to your entry or to the search of your property. Say that you wish to remain silent and wish to speak to a lawyer.