An ICE encounter can happen without warning. It is one of the most frightening experiences an immigrant family can face. And in those moments, the decisions made in the first few minutes can affect what happens next.
You have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status. Understanding them before an encounter happens is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.
At Your Home: What ICE Can and Cannot Do
Without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, ICE generally cannot enter your home. An administrative immigration warrant — which is signed by an immigration officer, not a judge — does not give ICE the right to enter your home if you do not consent.
- Do not open the door. You can speak through the door.
- Ask: 'Do you have a judicial warrant?' Ask them to slide it under the door.
- If there is no judicial warrant, you may say: 'I do not consent to entry.'
- Do not physically resist. Do not argue aggressively.
- Do not lie or provide false information.
- Do not sign any documents without first consulting a lawyer.
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration history, birthplace, or how you entered the country.
At Your Workplace: What to Know
ICE may enter public areas of a workplace without a warrant. They generally cannot enter private areas such as offices, back rooms, or break rooms without consent or a judicial warrant.
- Employees have the right to remain silent.
- Employees do not have to show ICE immigration documents.
- Employers should consult legal counsel before consenting to ICE entry into private areas.
- If ICE enters and begins questioning employees, employees may say: 'I want to speak to a lawyer before answering questions.'
- Do not provide false documents or information.
If You Are Detained
- Do not resist physically.
- State clearly: 'I want to speak to a lawyer.'
- You have the right to contact your country's consulate.
- Do not sign any documents — especially voluntary departure or stipulated removal documents — without legal advice.
- Try to remember the names or badge numbers of agents if possible.
- Tell family members to contact an immigration attorney immediately.
What Family Members Should Do Immediately
- Call an immigration attorney. Time matters — especially for bond hearings and court dates.
- Try to find out where the person is being held. The ICE detainee locator at ice.gov/detainee-locator may help.
- Gather A-number, court documents, and any prior immigration filings.
- Do not call ICE without first consulting an attorney — what you say may be used.
- Contact local immigrant advocacy organizations for referrals and support.
Know-Your-Rights Resources in Washington
Several organizations in Washington state provide Know Your Rights training, rapid response networks, and referrals for people facing ICE encounters. These include the ACLU of Washington, NWIRP (Northwest Immigrant Rights Project), and CAIR Coalition.
These resources are not a substitute for individualized legal advice, but they can help communities prepare before an encounter happens.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law and policy change quickly. Consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation.