Know your rights if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents contact you.

AT HOME:

  • DON’T OPEN the door.  It’s safer to talk to ICE agents through a closed door.
  • ASK if they have a warrant signed by a judge.  Without one they CANNOT enter your home.  An administrative warrant of removal does not permit them to come into your home.
  • If they say they have a warrant, ask them to slip it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see if it’s signed by a judge. (An example of an order by a judge vs. An example of an order by ICE )
  • The judicial search or arrest warrant must name a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address.
  • If they don’t have such a warrant, do not open the door.  
  • Firmly tell the agents “I do not consent to a search” and ask them to leave their business card.
  • Immediately CALL your attorney or, if you don’t have one, call CAIR-Pittsburgh at 421-606-3601

AT WORK:

ll people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If immigration officers (ICE) come to your work  place, they must have a valid search warrant or the consent of your employer to enter non-public areas. If you are undocumented and immigration officers come to your work place, be aware of the following:

  • Do not panic and do not run.  If you are frightened and feel like you need to leave, you can calmly walk toward the exit. If you are stopped, you may ask if you are free to If the officer says no, do not try to exit the building.
  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration authorities 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, say so out loud.
  • If they ask you to stand in a group according to immigration status, you do not have to move, or you can move to an area that is not designated for a particular
  • You may show a know-your-rights card to an officer that explains that you will remain silent and wish to speak to a
  • You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are
  • Do not show any false documents, and do not lie.
  • You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer
  • Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to one.
  • If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to 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 an immigration officer for a list of pro bono lawyers.
  • You also have the right to contact your consulate.  The consulate may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer.
  • You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.
  • Call CAIR-Pittsburgh for assistance at 412-606-3601.

IN PUBLIC:

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) officers stop you on the street or in a public place, know you have the following rights:

  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.
    • You may ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says no, you may exercise your right to remain
    • 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, say so out loud.
    • You may show a know-your-rights card to the officer that explains that you will remain silent and wish to speak to an attorney.
    • You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from.
    • Do not show any false documents and do not lie.
  • You may refuse a search. If you are stopped for questioning but are not arrested, you do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but an officer may “pat down” your clothes if he or she suspects you have a weapon.
  • You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
    • Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to a
    • If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If you have a signed DHS Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to the officer.
    •  If you do not have a lawyer, ask an immigration officer for a list of pro bono lawyers.
    • You also have the right to contact your consulate. The consulate may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer.
    • You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.
  • Call CAIR-Pittsburgh for help at 412-606-3601.