Know Your Rights - Encountering Immigration Enforcement
All individuals in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have rights under the U.S. Constitution. Understanding these rights and preparing in advance can help protect you and your loved ones in encounters with immigration enforcement.
Need Help?
If someone you know is being taken into custody or removed from the U.S., call my Salem Office at 978-531-1669.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office has also provided very helpful guidance for Immigrants, Families, And Communities On ICE Enforcement here.
Translations: Español (Spanish), Português (Portuguese), Creole, (many more below)
Know Your Rights
Ask for a warrant: ICE needs a valid warrant signed by a judge to enter your home or search your belongings. You do not have to open the door until you see one. If they are in your home without a warrant, you can ask them to leave and tell them that you do not consent to a search of your home.
You have the right to remain silent: You may refuse to speak to law enforcement officers, including immigration officers. You may also say that you want to remain silent.
You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history when asked, but you cannot lie or share any false documentation.
Do not show or use any false or fraudulent documentation, including a fake name.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer: You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without first speaking to an attorney.
Before you sign anything, talk to a lawyer. ICE may try to get you to sign away your right to see a lawyer or a judge. Be sure you understand what a document actually says before signing it.
Inform the ICE officer if you have children. If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is under age 18, ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.
Report and document raids and arrests. Document or record the encounter or raid details and involved officer names or numbers to share with attorney and advocacy organizations.
Make a Plan for ICE Encounters
In the event that you encounter immigration officials, make a plan with your family or household in advance and create an emergency caretaking plan for any dependents.
Always carry with you a copy of any valid immigration document you have. Make sure to store the originals in a safe place and ensure your family knows where they are and have access to them. Do not carry papers from another country with you, such as a foreign passport. Such papers could be used against you in the deportation process.
Write down and memorize emergency contact information, such as that of your family members or a lawyer, and ensure everyone within your household does the same.
Memorize your immigration number (A-Number or Alien Registration Number) and share it with your family. If you are detained, this will help your loved ones find you.
Familiarize yourself with local officials and keep a signed ICE Privacy Waiver, which will authorize any officials to advocate on your behalf without putting you at risk.
Ask for a bond hearing before an immigration judge, If you are denied release after being arrested for an immigration violation.
If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated
Write down everything you remember and document injuries, including badge numbers and patrol car numbers, what agency the officers were from and contact information for witnesses. If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries.
File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
Free or Inexpensive Legal Resources
MIRA Immigration Helpline - The helpline provides general information and resources on immigration processes, rights, and what to do after detention, but does not offer individual legal advice or representation. Schedule consultation: https://calendly.com/miralegalhelpline or call (508) 293-1817
Lawyers for Civil Rights’ Immigrant Defense Hotline - Receive free, same-day legal advice on questions about enforcement actions like raids or deportations by staff and pro bono attorneys here: (617) 988-0606
List of Pro Bono Immigration Legal Service Providers in Massachusetts
Local Sixth District Resources
Northeast Justice Center - The Northeast Justice Center helps low-income and elderly residents of Northeast Massachusetts obtain justice and empowerment through skillful, creative, and persistent advocacy both for systemic change and with high-quality individual representation. Address: 181 Union Street, Suite 201B, Lynn, MA 01901, Phone: (978) 458-1465
Northeast Justice Center’s “Immigration Hotline” - Receive telephonic immigration consultation, information, and referrals for income-eligible immigrants from Essex County and Northern Middlesex County here: (781) 599-7730 or here (toll-free): (888) 657-2889
New American Center- Provides services to new arrivals and refugees including ESL classes, employment support, case management, health education, tutoring, youth programs, cultural activities, housing mediation, and more. Address: 330 Lynnway, Suite 302, Lynn, MA 01901 Phone Number: (781) 593-0100
Lynn Rapid Response Network - Offers support to immigrant communities by providing legal information about immigrant rights & socal social services in the North Shore. Contact form: https://www.lynnrapidresponse.org/contact
Resources for International Students
Rights & Protections Hub: Guidance for Institutions Immigrant Students
Specifically view this section, found in the ‘Know Your Rights’ section of the resource hub: Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan for Individuals Traveling within the U.S. (March 2025)
This is a template that goes into detail about what documents to have available in case of a travel emergency, personal information to share with a trusted contact, and other considerations. Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan
American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) lawyer search website: https://ailalawyer.com/. You can search by area of expertise, in this case: “Students and Exchange Visitors.”
For anyone who is specifically concerned about their situation, perhaps they attended a protest or published an opinion piece that might put a target on their back from this Administration, you may consider consulting with an attorney to discuss those concerns. Unfortunately, we are living in a different reality than 3 months ago. People need to be prepared.