Know Your Rights

General Tips

  • Stay calm
  • Be respectful, do not argue
  • You have the right to remain silent
    • You may say “I choose to remain silent”
  • Do not lie to ICE
    • If you do not wish to answer a question, you may remain silent.
  • Do not physically resist or obstruct
  • Document encounters safely.
    • If recording is not possible, write down details AFTER the encounter (such as names, badge numbers, time, and location).
  • Carry your Tribal or state issued ID

ICE Encounters: What to Know & What to Do

If ICE DETAINS YOU
  • Stay calm and do not resist.
  • You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.
  • You can say: “I am a U.S. Citizen and a member of a federally recognized tribe. I choose to remain silent and request legal counsel.
  • Do not sign anything or make decisions without speaking to a lawyer.
  • If you are detained, you must show identification.
  • A valid Tribal ID or state-issued ID can be used as proof of identity.
  • Tell ICE if you have medical needs, need to arrange childcare, or need an interpreter.
  • You have the right to make phone calls and to ask for a list of free or low-cost legal service providers.
  • You may receive visitors, including family and lawyers, depending on facility rules.
  • Native Americans who believe their rights were violated may contact:

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community Members may contact: Legal Services Office: 480-362-5670

If ICE Approaches You at HOME
  • If an ICE agent enters your home without your permission or a valid judicial warrant, do not physically resist as that could subject you to potential criminal charges.
  • State clearly you do not consent to searches.
  • Exercise your right to remain silent.
    •  State clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
  • If you do not remain silent, do not lie to ICE agents as that may impact you in the future.
  • Record the interaction if it is safe to do so or ask someone else to record it. If you record, do not interfere with the ICE operation.
If ICE Approaches You in Your CAR
  • You must pull over if you are stopped by any type of law enforcement officer.
    • You have the right to remain silent
    • Never lie to an ICE agent
    • You can ask if you are being detained, if not, ask if you are free to go. If you are free to go, calmly drive away.
    • Remain calm.
  • ICE agents may use unmarked vehicles or wear plain clothes or clothing labeled “POLICE” Because of this, you may not immediately know which agency is approaching you. You may calmly ask officers to identify themselves.
  • If an ICE agent asks for your ID, and you are the DRIVER, you are required to show your driver’s license.
  • If an ICE agent asks for your ID and you are a PASSENGER, you do not have to show your ID or provide any personal information. However, ICE may still detain you, so it may be safest to show your identification or proof of citizenship.
  • ICE generally needs a judicial warrant to search.
    •  If ICE searches your car without a warrant, say: “I do not consent to a search.
If ICE Approaches You in PUBLIC or at WORK
  • ICE may enter public areas without a warrant.
  • ICE cannot legally enter the private spaces like employee-only areas unless they have the permission of your employer or a judicial warrant.
  • If approached, do not panic. Stay calm and avoid running or making sudden movements.
  • You do not have to answer questions about others.
  • Ask if you are free to leave. If you are, you may calmly walk away. If not, ask if you are being detained. If you are detained, you must show identification.
  • If it is safe to do so, record the interaction or ask someone else to record it. Do not interfere with the operation.
If ICE Approaches You & You’re a MINOR
  • Minors have the same rights as adults. You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about:
    • Your immigration status
    • Where you were born
    • Your parents’ immigration status
    • Your address
  • Say: “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
  • Minors are not required to carry ID unless driving.
  • If detained, minors and parents have the right to remain in contact.
  • Use safeguards if carrying copies of documents.
    • e.g., in a sealed envelope labeled “Confidential: Legal Documents – Access Only by Guardian”
Prepare in Advance: Safety Planning
  • Memorize emergency contact names and phone numbers.
  • Provide your child’s school or daycare with updated emergency pickup contacts.
  • Keep important documents (such as birth certificates and medical records) in a safe place and tell a trusted person where they are kept.
  • Consider keeping a copy or photo of proof of citizenship with you.
  • Give a trusted person written permission to make medical and legal decisions for your child if needed.
  • Use this page to locate a detainee who is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours.
  • Sample Safety Plan

Additional Information & Resources

Recording an ICE Encounter

You may record ICE agents as long as you do so from a safe distance and do not interfere. Only record if it is safe to do so. After the encounter, write down what happened as soon as possible.


This resource is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It is not intended to replace guidance from an attorney. If you need legal help, consider contacting a lawyer or a legal aid organization.