Imagine you’re at home with your kids, working peacefully, or driving through town, and suddenly, an immigration agent is in front of you. What do you do? Who do you call? What can you say, and what should you avoid saying? In these high-stress moments, knowing how to respond can make all the difference between protecting yourself and putting yourself at risk.
Hello, my people! I’m attorney Maria Mendoza, specializing in U.S. immigration law. As immigration raids increase in many states across the country, today I’ll talk about what you could do if ICE comes to your home, your workplace, or stops you while you’re driving, especially if you have minor children. Knowing your rights is your best defense, so keep reading!
If ICE shows up at your home
When you’re at home, you have more legal protections than anywhere else. Without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, ICE cannot legally enter your house.
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What to do:
1.- Don’t open the door. Ask through the door if they have a judicial warrant.
2.- Request to see the judicial warrant. It must be signed by a judge and include your correct name and address. If it doesn’t meet these requirements, they are not authorized to enter.
3.- Use a red card. You can hold it up to a window or slide it under the door. This red card asserts your right to remain silent and your refusal to allow entry without a valid warrant.
4.- Don’t answer questions. You may provide your name if you choose, but do not share any other information.
5.- Don’t sign any documents without first consulting an immigration attorney.
Key phrase to remember: “I do not authorize entry into my home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge and issued in my name.”
Watch this video for more info: ICE is at your door? Know your rights and DON’T open the door.
If ICE shows up at your workplace
Workplace raids have become a real threat again under the current administration. If ICE comes to your job:
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What to do:
1.- Stay calm. Don’t run or try to hide.
2.- Exercise your right to remain silent. You are only required to state your name.
3.- Never show false documents. This can make your legal situation worse.
4.- Keep your immigration documents on hand (if you have a pending case), such as USCIS receipts, a letter of representation, a Bona Fide Determination, or your work permit.
5.- Request to speak with your immigration lawyer immediately.
You can say something like: “My name is Maria Mendoza. I have a pending case and would like to speak with my immigration attorney.”
You can also give a trusted coworker your emergency contact info or your attorney’s number so they can notify someone, in case you’re detained.
Learn what NOT to do in this video: What to do if ICE shows up at your job?
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If ICE stops you while driving
Getting pulled over while driving can be stressful, but you still have rights:
What to do:
1.- Stay calm and keep your hands visible at all times.
2.- If asked, roll down your window, but don’t exit your vehicle unless they show you a judicial warrant with your name on it and signed by a judge.
3.- Ask if you’re free to go. If they say no, remain silent.
4.- Don’t sign anything without speaking to your attorney first.
5.- Carry any valid immigration documents you may have, such as your work permit, USCIS receipts, or Bona Fide Determination letter.
You can say: “I choose to remain silent, and I would like to speak with my immigration attorney.”
You may also be interested in this: 3 Ways to Get a Work Permit in the United States
If you have children
Part of staying prepared is creating a plan to protect your children in the event of an unexpected detention. Here’s how:
1.- Choose a trusted adult who can care for your children if needed.
2.- Make a list of emergency contacts and share a copy with the person you trust to care for your kids.
3.- Talk to your children calmly and explain what to do if you’re not home.
4.- Don’t be afraid to send them to school. ICE has policies that limit enforcement actions in schools.
Always keep your relatives informed and make sure they know how to reach your attorney in case of an emergency.
What documents should you show ICE?
Even if you don’t have legal status, having certain documents on hand can help avoid detention or deportation:
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Valid work permit
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USCIS application receipts
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Legal representation letter
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Bona Fide Determination or Prima Facie letter (for humanitarian visas)
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Learn more: Do You Have a Deportation Order? The T Visa and Bona Fide Determination Could Change Your Immigration Path.
Conclusion: Knowing your rights is your best defense
In moments of uncertainty, the right information can protect you from detention or deportation. At The Mendoza Law Firm, we know how hard it is to live in fear—but you’re not alone, my people. We’ve spent over 15 years protecting immigrant families, fighting every day to keep our community safe, informed, and together.
If you have questions about your immigration status or want to find out if you may qualify to fix your papers without leaving the country, schedule a video call for a free evaluation of your case. It could be the first step toward changing your life—and we’re here to help you, with heart and with experience.
Was this guide helpful? Share it with your friends and family—someone else might need it too.
Know your rights. Stay protected & keep your people informed.
¡La lucha sigue!
Call or text +1 (202) 933-3379 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
