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Know Your Rights

Watch: Know Your Rights When Dealing With ICE Zohran Mamdani — 1 min 27 sec video

Your Home — Do NOT Open the Door

  • ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An ICE administrative warrant is NOT the same thing and does NOT give them the right to enter.
  • Do NOT open the door — not even a crack. Opening the door can be seen as consent.
  • If they claim to have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window. Verify it is signed by a federal judge and has your correct name and address.
SAY: "I do not consent to your entry. Please slide any warrant under the door."

Right to Remain Silent

  • You have the right to remain silent. You do NOT have to answer questions about where you were born, your immigration status, or how you entered the U.S.
  • ICE is legally allowed to lie to you. Do not be tricked into answering questions or signing documents.
  • Do NOT sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first.
  • Do NOT hand over any foreign documents or passports.
SAY: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer."

Right to a Lawyer

  • You have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions or signing any documents.
  • If detained, you have the right to make phone calls. Call your family, a trusted friend, or an immigration attorney.
  • Memorize an attorney's phone number now so you are ready if you are ever detained.
  • The government does not provide a free immigration lawyer, but you have the right to hire one.
SAY: "I want to speak with my attorney before I answer any questions."

If Stopped in Public

  • Stay calm. Do not run away. Running can give them a reason to arrest you.
  • Ask: "Am I free to go?" Keep asking until they answer. If they say yes, calmly walk away.
  • Do NOT consent to any search of your person or belongings.
  • You still have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.
SAY: "Am I free to go? I do not consent to a search. I wish to remain silent."

You Can Film ICE

  • You are legally allowed to record and film ICE agents, as long as you do not physically interfere with an arrest.
  • Write down badge numbers, names, agency, vehicle descriptions, time, and location.
  • Back up your recordings and share them with a lawyer as soon as possible.

At Your Workplace

  • ICE needs a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter non-public areas of a workplace.
  • An administrative ICE warrant is NOT enough. You and your employer can refuse entry to all private spaces.
  • Ask to see the warrant before allowing them past public areas.

Important Reminders

  • ICE is legally allowed to lie to you. They may claim to be local police. Always ask for identification and a judicial warrant.
  • You have the right to request an interpreter for any conversation, appointment, or hearing.
  • These rights apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
As of January 2025, ICE may conduct enforcement at previously protected sensitive locations (churches, schools, hospitals). Stay informed.
This information is for educational purposes based on current U.S. constitutional rights. It is not legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Source: Zohran Mamdani "Know Your Rights" (Dec 2025), ILRC, National Immigrant Justice Center.

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