Immigration & ICE: What to Know and Where to Get Help
You have rights in the United States regardless of immigration status. This handout from the National Immigrant Rights Justice Center (https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/) provides guidance on what to do during ICE encounters and lists local resources:
What to do if Stopped by Federal Agents
During any encounter with law enforcement, it’s important to do the following:
Stay calm and don’t run, argue, resist, or fight the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated or you are being treated unfairly. Keep your hands where police can see them, and tell them if you need to reach into a glove compartment or for a wallet to show your papers.
Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents.
If you are pulled over in a traffic stop:
Ask if the officer is from the police department or immigration. Immigration officers often identify themselves as “police,” but they are not police. Ask if they are from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If they are immigration officers, follow these guidelines about what information to provide.
If you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status:
Show your passport, legal permanent resident card, work permit, or other documentation of your status. If you are over the age of 18, you should carry your papers with you at all times.
If you are undocumented:
You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with the police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.
If an officer knocks on your door:
Do not open the door. Teach your children not to open the door. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” are not signed by judges; they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and they do not grant authority to enter a home without consent of the occupant(s).
If you are outdoors and think you see immigration officers nearby:
Move to a safe indoor space
If you are a U.S. citizen and feel safe to do so, record the activity with your phone or write down any relevant information about what you witness—ALWAYS being careful to not interfere or otherwise obstruct the operation
Additional Resources
International Institute of Minnesota:
Know Your Rights -
Judicial Warrant vs ICE Warrant
Planning for a Family Emergency (English & Spanish)
Immigration Enforcement Response Resources -
Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative Basic Needs Resource Directory:
Has been compiling a List of Basic Need Resources & Jobs/Training Opportunities for Youth, Adults and Families since 2020. Updated daily basis as we meet with our partners and learn of any new resources. The fastest way to access the directories is on the FRONT PAGE of the SRFC website:
or go to website directly: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kab4qYludVcgjda_VSDbOKKt3gkcb5WxRFOFoLa_igw/edit?usp=sharing
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