What to Do If ICE Comes to Your House

You do not have to open your door for ICE unless agents present a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Ask to see the warrant through a window or under the door. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Do not lie, do not run, and do not physically resist. Contact an immigration lawyer immediately.

Quick Answer

If ICE officers come to your home, do not open the door unless they show a judicial warrant signed by a judge — an administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give them the right to enter. Clearly state through the closed door: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak with a lawyer." These rights apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.

Types of Warrants: What ICE Can and Cannot Do

Understanding the difference between warrant types is critical:

• Judicial warrant — signed by a federal judge or magistrate, specifies your address. ICE may enter with this document. Verify the signature and the address listed.
• Administrative warrant (I-200 Warrant for Arrest of Alien or I-205 Warrant of Removal/Deportation) — signed by an ICE supervisor, not a judge. This does not authorize entry into your home without your consent.
• No warrant — ICE has no legal authority to enter. You may refuse entry entirely.

If you are unsure which type of document they have, ask officers to slide it under the door or hold it to the window before you open.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When ICE Knocks

1. Stay calm and do not open the door. Speak through the closed door. Inform everyone inside to remain quiet and away from the entrance.
2. Ask: "Do you have a judicial warrant?" Request that officers slide it under the door or show it through the window. Look for a judge's signature and your home address.
3. If no judicial warrant, clearly state: "I do not consent to your entry." You are not required to explain your immigration status.
4. Invoke your right to remain silent. Say: "I am exercising my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent." Do not answer questions about your birthplace, entry date, or documentation.
5. Call an immigration attorney immediately. Ilya Fishkin, immigration attorney advises clients on emergency ICE encounters and can help you understand your options. Keep your lawyer's phone number accessible at all times.
6. Document everything. After ICE leaves, write down the names and badge numbers of officers (if you saw them), the time, and exactly what was said. This record may be vital in any future deportation proceedings.

What the Law Says

Your rights during an ICE home visit are grounded in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects all persons — regardless of immigration status — against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to remain silent. Under INA § 287, ICE officers have broad authority to make arrests, but that authority does not extend to warrantless entry into a private residence without consent.

If ICE does enter unlawfully and places you in deportation proceedings (formally: removal proceedings), any evidence obtained through an illegal entry may be challenged before an immigration judge. An attorney can file a motion to suppress such evidence.

If an order of deportation (order of removal) has already been issued against you, the deadline to appeal is 30 days. You also have 90 days from the date of an order to file a Motion to Reopen your case. Acting quickly is essential — consult ICE's official website and seek qualified legal counsel without delay.

For additional guidance on immigration enforcement procedures, refer to the U.S. Department of Justice.

After the Visit: Next Steps

• Create or update a family safety plan: designate a trusted person to care for children, keep copies of important documents (birth certificates, immigration papers) in a secure, accessible location.
• Know your attorney's emergency contact — if you are detained, you have the right to make a phone call.
• Do not sign any documents ICE presents without first consulting a lawyer. Signing may constitute a waiver of important rights, including the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.
• If you believe you qualify for voluntary departure, note that the maximum period allowed by law is 120 days when granted by an immigration judge at the beginning of proceedings — discuss this option with your attorney promptly.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.