Know Your Rights
If ICE agents come to your door
You have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status. This step-by-step guide explains what to do — and what not to do — if immigration agents come to your home.
Last updated: 2026-07-04
Step 1
Keep the door closed
You do not have to open the door. Speak through it if you choose to speak at all.
Step 2
Ask for a judicial warrant
Ask the agents to slide any warrant under the door. ICE administrative forms I-200 and I-205 do NOT permit agents to enter a home — only a judicial warrant signed by a judge does.
Step 3
Remain silent and sign nothing
You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born, and you do not have to sign any documents without a lawyer.
Step 4
Do not physically resist — state non-consent clearly
If agents enter anyway, do not physically resist them. Clearly and calmly state that you do not consent to the search or entry.
Step 5
Call the ICIRR hotline
Call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline for help and to report the visit: 1-855-435-7693.
View as data table
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keep the door closed | You do not have to open the door. Speak through it if you choose to speak at all. |
| 2 | Ask for a judicial warrant | Ask the agents to slide any warrant under the door. ICE administrative forms I-200 and I-205 do NOT permit agents to enter a home — only a judicial warrant signed by a judge does. |
| 3 | Remain silent and sign nothing | You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born, and you do not have to sign any documents without a lawyer. |
| 4 | Do not physically resist — state non-consent clearly | If agents enter anyway, do not physically resist them. Clearly and calmly state that you do not consent to the search or entry. |
| 5 | Call the ICIRR hotline | Call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline for help and to report the visit: 1-855-435-7693. |
Common questions
Do I have to open the door for ICE agents?
No. You do not have to open your door unless agents present a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide it under the door so you can read it.
Do administrative ICE forms I-200 or I-205 allow agents into my home?
No. Forms I-200 and I-205 are administrative immigration documents, not judicial warrants, and they do not authorize agents to enter a home without consent.
Do I have to answer questions about my immigration status?
No. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status, and you should not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer.
What should I do if agents enter without a judicial warrant?
Do not physically resist. Clearly and calmly state that you do not consent to the search or entry, and call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline for help.
This page provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law changes frequently — confirm current details with a licensed immigration attorney or the official government source cited below.
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