Know Your Rights
If you or a loved one encounters federal immigration enforcement officials, you must know your rights and have prepared your household for any possible outcomes.
Important Information
- Ensure that all important documents are in a safe place where family members can access them.
- Make a plan with family in the event you or a family member is detained by ICE, including identifying a caretaker for your children.
- Memorize important phone numbers.
- Consider consulting with an immigration attorney.
Know Your Rights
Ask for a Warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects everyone from unreasonable search and seizure. ICE is required to have a warrant (not a removal order, etc.) signed by a judge to enter your home and search your belongings. You do not have to open the door, and you have the right to ask ICE to leave.
Right to Remain Silent: If you are unable to walk away from ICE agents, the Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself.
Consult with an Attorney: You do not have to sign anything or provide any documents without consulting an attorney/counsel.
If you interact with ICE
- Do not volunteer ANY information.
- You do not need to provide your immigration status or place of birth.
- Do not show or use any false or fraudulent documentation.
- You are not required to sign any document without speaking to an attorney. Do not sign a document you do not understand.
- Ask to see a warrant before you open the door should ICE visits your home.
How can we help?
My office can assist constituents by submitting inquiries to federal agencies regarding the following cases:
- Immigrant Visa Applications
- Nonimmigrant Visa Applications
- Asylum Cases
- Employment Authorization
- DACA and TPS Cases
- Citizenship, Naturalization, and Oath Ceremony
File a request for help with your case at our office: https://costa.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency
Call my Fresno Office at (559) 495-1620 or my Visalia Office at (559) 749-9330.