The presence of immigration officers in everyday spaces is a growing reality in the U.S., particularly Los Angeles County. Across the nation, individuals are increasingly encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on their doorstep, at their workplaces, and in public areas. Los Angeles residents have been unjustly targeted by ICE, endangering our neighbors and communities. We condemn these attacks and stand in solidarity with all people targeted for deportation.
Many ICE raids lead to arrests and detentions. As of June 2025, ICE facilities across the nation reportedly held around 59,000 detainees, exceeding the agency’s congressionally allocated capacity of 41,500 beds. Nearly half of these individuals reportedly have no criminal records.
This aggressive pace threatens everyone’s civil rights. Deborah Fleischaker, a former acting chief of staff for ICE under the Biden administration, noted that such swift and forceful pushes will inadvertently lead to missteps. "There isn’t enough time to think about what you’re doing and who you’re doing it to,” said Fleischaker.
This outpouring of aggression underscores the urgent need to understand your rights and how to invoke them effectively when ICE knocks on your door, appears at your workplace, or stops you in public.
Your Rights at Home
Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, and the law offers significant protections for you in this space — even if ICE shows up at your door.
You Don’t Have to Open the Door
If ICE officers come to your home, they cannot legally enter unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge. An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a judicial search warrant. If officers claim to have a search warrant, you can ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so that you can inspect it. If the document is not signed by a judge or does not have your correct name and address and the current date, you are not obligated to open the door. Make sure that everyone in your household knows this information.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
You may feel compelled to explain yourself to ICE officers, but it’s important to remember that you are not required to speak to them. If asked questions about your immigration status, birthplace, or how you entered the United States, you have the right to remain silent. You are also not required to show identity documents. Simply say, “I choose to remain silent.” You can provide officers with a Red Card (English/Spanish) stating your decision to remain silent and your wish to speak to a lawyer.
You Have the Right to Legal Counsel
If ICE detains you, you have a right to a lawyer. If you have a lawyer, present ICE with a signed Form G-28, which formally establishes your attorney-client relationship. If you do not have a lawyer, you may request a list of pro bono legal services or contact your consulate for assistance. If English is not your primary language, clearly state the language you speak. Do not sign any paperwork until you have consulted with an attorney. You risk waiving your rights or initiating deportation proceedings if you sign documents you do not fully understand.
Your Rights at Your Workplace
You have the right to be safe at work. The workplace, while seemingly a public space, also carries specific protections against the unlawful entry of ICE agents.
Know the Limits of ICE’s Authority
ICE officers need either a valid judicial search warrant or explicit permission from your employer to enter non-public areas of your workplace. If you feel comfortable, ask your workplace to put up signs that clearly designate which spaces are private. Public areas, such as lobbies or open reception areas, are not subject to the same protections and may be accessed without a warrant.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
As in your home, you have the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to speak with ICE agents, answer their questions, or present any documents. If officers instruct you to gather in groups based on immigration status or country of origin, you are not required to comply and may move to an area not designated for such grouping.
Stay Calm & Do Not Flee
If ICE agents are present at your workplace, it is important to remain calm. Do not run towards exits or attempt to flee. Running can be misinterpreted by agents as an admission of guilt or an attempt to violate immigration laws, and ICE agents may take the opportunity to arrest you.
Your Rights in Public
Even if ICE approaches you in a public space, such as a city street, you still have certain protections. These encounters in public spaces can feel particularly intrusive, so it is important to understand the limits of ICE’s authority.
Ask if You Are Free to Leave
If you are approached by ICE in public, stay calm and avoid sudden movements. You should immediately ask if you are being arrested or detained. Ask the ICE officer directly, "Am I being arrested or detained?" If the officer says no, you may walk away without offering any additional details. =
Refuse Unauthorized Searches
You have the right to refuse a search of yourself or your belongings. If an ICE officer attempts to search you, clearly state, "I do not consent to a search." While officers may pat you down if they reasonably suspect you are armed, they cannot conduct a full search without your consent or probable cause. If they proceed with a search despite your refusal, do not physically resist, but make a mental note of what occurred. Documenting the incident can be invaluable for future legal proceedings.
If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated
If you believe your civil rights were violated during an encounter with ICE, document the incident as thoroughly as possible. Write down everything you remember as soon as you can. You can also ask a witness to take notes or film.
Include specific details: the names of the officers, their badge numbers, the exact location and time of the encounter, precisely what was said by all parties, and what actions were taken. This detailed account will be critical in building a case.
Once documented, report the violation. Connect with our civil rights lawyers or an immigrant rights organization. We can provide guidance on the appropriate next steps and help you pursue avenues for accountability.
Our Civil Rights Lawyers Can Help Defend Your Rights Against ICE Officers
We understand the fear and confusion that ICE encounters can create, especially for immigrant families and individuals who already feel unfairly targeted by aggressive enforcement tactics.
Founded in 1991 by trailblazing civil rights attorneys Barbara Hadsell and Dan Stormer, we have spent decades fighting for justice and human rights. Our attorneys approach civil rights advocacy with a fierce commitment to upholding the dignity and legal protections of every individual. We are prepared to review your case, advise you on your rights, and work to defend those rights against potential overreach or violations by immigration officers.
If you or a loved one has been approached by ICE, or if you believe your rights have been compromised, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how our civil rights lawyers can stand with you.