Helpful Tips

If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes to your door, do not open it, remain calm, and exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to open the door unless agents have a valid, signed warrant from a judge or court, not just an administrative warrant. If you are a U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or Citizen of a federally recognized Native American Tribal Nation, have those related documents ready.

Immediate Actions:

• Keep the Door Closed: Politely ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window.

• Verify the Warrant: Check for a signature from a judge or magistrate (not an ICE supervisor) and confirm it lists your correct name and address.

• Exercise Rights: State clearly: “I do not consent to your entry,” and “I am exercising my right to remain silent”.

• Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents without a lawyer present.

• Record Information: If possible, take notes, photos, or video of the interaction, but do not interfere with the officers.

• If They Enter: Do not physically resist, but continue to state that you do not consent to the search and refuse to answer questions. 

• If you are a Tribal Citizen: call your Tribal Police or Tribal Administration. For Cherokee Citizens, immediately report any encounter with ICE to the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service at 918-207-3800.