Know Your Rights
Your Rights If Immigration Comes To Your Home (Including an Apartment or Dorm Room)
- You do not have to open your door unless an officer has certain kinds of warrants: Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window so you can inspect it. A search warrant allows police to enter the address listed on the warrant, but officers can only search the areas and for the items listed. An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person is inside. A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not authorize officers to enter a home without consent. You do not have to provide consent if you do not want them to enter.
- You have the right to remain silent, even if an officer has a warrant that authorizes their entry.
- You do not have to sign anything. If you sign, you may be giving up your opportunity to stay in the U.S.
Your Rights If You Are Questioned About Your Immigration Status by Immigration Enforcement
- You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how or when you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports).
- Stay calm and be polite. Do not lie about your citizenship status or provide fake documents.
- You do not have to sign anything. If you sign, you may be giving up your opportunity to stay in the U.S.
- Do remember the details of the encounter. If you feel your rights have been violated, write down everything you can remember including officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details.
For international students and scholars holding in-status visas
You are required by law to carry “registration” documents at all times. If an immigration agent requests your immigration papers you should present them if you have them with you. You have the right to contact your consulate. If your visa is out of status consult with an immigration attorney.
Your Rights If You Are Taken Into Immigration Custody
- You have the right to a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. If you do not have a lawyer, see resources listed on this guide or ask for a list of free or low-cost legal services.
- You have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your arrest.
- You can tell the ICE agent you wish to remain silent and discuss your immigration status only with your lawyer.
- You do not have to sign anything without talking to a lawyer. If you sign, you may be giving up your opportunity to try to stay in the U.S.
- Remember your immigration or USCIS number (“A” number), case number, or any other identifying number assigned to you by immigration enforcement and give this information to your family and lawyer. It will help family members and the lawyer locate you.
For more information or to report an incident:
Contact UC Immigrant Legal Services Center at ucimm@law.ucdavis.edu or call (530) 752-7996.
United We Dream National Hotline to report incidents and abuses (844) 363-1423.