Know your rights with ICE: a complete guide to protecting yourself

With immigration enforcement at record levels in 2026, knowing your constitutional rights has never been more critical. Across the country, families are facing increased operations by ICE at homes, workplaces, and in public spaces. For many immigrants, documented and undocumented alike, this has created fear, confusion, and uncertainty.

But here is the most important thing to understand: you have rights.

Your constitutional protections do not depend on your immigration status. They apply to everyone in the United States. When you know what to say, what not to do, and how to respond calmly, you can protect yourself and your family from making mistakes that could harm your case.

This guide from Law Group International will walk you through:

Your core constitutional rights
What to do if ICE comes to your door
Your rights at work
What to do during traffic stops or public encounters
How to create a family emergency plan

Knowledge is protection. Preparation is power.

Constitutional Rights That Protect Everyone

The U.S. Constitution provides protections that apply to all people inside the country, regardless of immigration status.

Right to Remain Silent (5th Amendment)

You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about:

Where you were born
Your immigration status
How you entered the U.S.

You can say:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Do not lie and do not provide false documents. Simply remain silent.

Right to Refuse Consent to Search (4th Amendment)

ICE cannot enter your home without:

A judicial warrant signed by a judge, or
Your permission

You have the right to say:
“I do not consent to entry.”

This applies to your home and to searches of your belongings.

Right to an Attorney

You have the right to speak with an immigration attorney before signing anything. Never sign documents you do not understand, especially voluntary departure forms.

Right to a Hearing Before an Immigration Judge

In most cases, you have the right to see an immigration judge before being deported. Do not let anyone convince you that you must leave immediately without speaking to a lawyer.

These rights apply to everyone, not just U.S. citizens.

If ICE Comes to Your Door: Step-by-Step Guide

If ICE comes to your home, do not open the door.

Opening the door can be interpreted as giving consent for officers to enter.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep the Door Closed

You can speak through the door.

Step 2: Ask for a Warrant

Say:
“Please slide the warrant under the door.”

Look for:

Your correct name and address
A judge’s signature

If it is only an ICE administrative warrant, it does not allow them to enter your home.

Step 3: Use Clear Language

Say:

“I do not consent to entry.”
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Step 4: Do Not Sign Anything

Do not sign documents without speaking to an attorney.

Step 5: If They Enter Anyway

Do not resist.
Do not run.
State: “I do not consent to this entry.”

This protects your legal rights later.

If ICE Comes to Your Workplace

Your rights at work depend on whether you are in a public or private area.

Public Areas

ICE can enter areas open to the public without a warrant (for example, a lobby or dining area).

Private Areas

They need a judicial warrant to enter private employee-only spaces.

What You Should Do

Stay calm
Do not run
You may walk calmly to a private area if allowed
Do not answer questions about your immigration status

You can say:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Employer Limitations

Employers cannot:

Force you to answer ICE questions
Provide false information

They may be required to provide I-9 records if presented with proper documentation.

If ICE Stops You in Public or During a Traffic Stop

If you are driving, you must provide:

Driver’s license
Registration
Proof of insurance

You do not have to answer questions about:

Your immigration status
Your country of origin

You can ask:
“Am I free to go?”

If the officer says yes, walk away calmly.

If you are detained, you still have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney.

Printable Know Your Rights Card

A Know Your Rights card is a simple but powerful tool.

It typically includes:

A statement that you are exercising your right to remain silent
A statement that you do not consent to searches
A request to speak with an attorney

You can:

Keep it in your wallet
Show it through your door if ICE is outside
Hand it to an officer during an encounter

Law Group International provides a downloadable Know Your Rights card you can print and carry with you at all times.

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

Preparation can protect your children, your finances, and your legal case.

Designate an Emergency Contact

Choose someone with legal status who can:

Pick up your children
Access important documents
Contact your attorney

Prepare Childcare Authorization

Have a notarized document allowing a trusted person to care for your children if you are detained.

Organize Important Documents

Keep copies of:

Passports
Birth certificates
Immigration paperwork
Medical records

Store them in a safe, accessible place.

Have an Emergency Attorney Contact

Memorize or carry the contact information for your immigration attorney.

Law Group International offers emergency consultations for detention and deportation defense cases.

Knowledge Is Your Best Protection

ICE enforcement can be intimidating, but fear should never replace preparation. When you know your rights, you reduce the risk of making decisions that could harm your case.

Remember: