Federal Defense Guide

Know Your Rights
With ICE Agents

A tactical, verified guide for interactions with Immigration & Customs Enforcement. Protect yourself, your home, and your family.

🚪 ICE at Your Door Guide 🛡️ View Emergency Scripts

Select Your Location

Core Rule #1

Don't Open.

ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a Judge.

🚫 Administrative Warrants don't count.

ICE Rights Checker

Urgent Use Mode

1. Where are you?

2. What is ICE doing?

3. Do they have a JUDICIAL warrant?

A judicial warrant is signed by a judge (not an ICE official) and specifically names you and your address.

🛑 DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR

⚠️ What to do:

Keep the door closed. Ask them to slip the warrant under the door.

🗣️ ORAL SCRIPT (Read this aloud):

"I do not consent to a search. I do not consent to you entering my home. Please slip the warrant under the door."

Tactical Guides

Updated 2026

🏚️

What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Door

Our definitive 2026 protocol. Learn the "Closed Door" rule, how to handle administrative warrants, and protecting your family from unauthorized entry.

Read Protocol →

📄

Judicial vs Admin Warrants

The difference between a paper you can ignore and one you must obey.

🚪

The "Fake Warrant" Ruse

"Probation check", "Police", "Gas leak". Common lies used to trick you.

🏢

Workplace Raid Rights

Private vs Public spaces. Why you should not run.

🛑

Using the "Red Card"

How to slide it under the door to invoke rights silently.

📱

Phone & Digital Privacy

Passwords vs Fingerprints. Border search powers.

🏥

Safe Zones (Schools/Hospitals)

Where ICE policy generally forbids enforcement.

🚗

Traffic Stops

Driver obligations vs Passenger rights. "Stop & ID" laws.

📹

Recording Officials

Your First Amendment right to film in public.

💵

Immigration Bonds

Costs ($1,500+), hearings, and getting money back.

🗽

Asylum 101

The 1-year deadline, affirmative vs defensive, and work permits.

🛡️

U-Visa for Victims

Status for victims of crime who help police.

⚖️

Right to Counsel

Why you don't get a free lawyer and how to find one.

Vital Verbal Scripts

Through the Door

"I do not consent to a search. Please slip the warrant under the door."

If Detained

"I am exercising my right to remain silent. Am I free to go?"

Common Questions & Myths

Can ICE enter my home without a warrant?

No. Unless they have a 'Judicial Warrant' signed by a judge (extremely rare for raids), or you invite them in, they cannot enter. Do not open the door.

What if they show me a paper through the window?

Do not open the door to check. Ask them to slip it under the door. Check for a signature by a JUDGE (not an ICE officer). If it's an administrative warrant (Form I-200), do not open.

Does a 'Green Card' holder have rights?

Yes. Permanent residents have full constitutional rights. However, criminal convictions can put your status at risk. Consult a lawyer immediately if detained.

Can they search my phone?

Police generally need a warrant to search a phone. At the border (airports/entry points), rights are lower, and CBP often claims authority to search devices without warrants. It is best to keep devices locked.

What if I am at work?

ICE needs a warrant or valid consent from the employer to enter 'private' areas (kitchens, back rooms). Workers should remain silent and not run.

Can I film ICE agents?

Yes, generally. You have a First Amendment right to record law enforcement in public spaces, as long as you do not physically interfere with their operations. Keep a safe distance.

What if they threaten to take my children?

This is a common intimidation tactic. Do not be coerced into opening the door. Remaining silent and keeping the door closed is the best way to protect your family in that moment.

Should I carry my foreign passport?

No. Carrying a foreign passport proves you are a foreign national. If you have valid US immigration documents (Green Card, EAD), carry those. If you are undocumented, carry a 'Know Your Rights' card, not a foreign ID.

What is an 'ICE Detainer'?

A request from ICE to a local jail to hold a person for an extra 48 hours so ICE can pick them up. Some sanctuary cities refuse to honor these.

Do I have the right to a free lawyer?

In immigration court? No. It is civil, not criminal. You must pay for your own lawyer or find a pro bono non-profit.

Need a Lawyer?

Immigration court does not provide free lawyers. You must find your own.

Search Directory →

⚖️

Quick Fact Checks

✕ Don't carry fake IDs. It's a felony.
✓ You can refuse to sign documents.
✓ Passengers can remain silent too.

Know Your Rights With ICE Agents