You have rights no matter your immigration status. Here is what to do:

• DO stay calm and stay inside. You do not have to open the door.
• DO ask through the door: "Do you have a warrant?" Ask them to slide it under the door.
• DO NOT open the door unless they show a judicial warrant — signed by a judge, with your correct name and address. An ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give them the right to enter.
• DO NOT lie or provide false documents.
• DO say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
• DO if you are arrested, say: "I want to speak to a lawyer."

Call a legal hotline immediately (see above). Write down the names and badge numbers of officers if you can.

• DO pull over safely, turn off the engine, and keep your hands visible.
• DO provide your driver's license, registration, and insurance if asked.
• DO NOT answer questions about your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent.
• DO NOT consent to a search of your car. You can say: "I do not consent to a search."
• DO if you are arrested, say: "I want to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions."
• Note: police are different from immigration (ICE/CBP). Local police in many cities have policies not to ask about immigration status.

• DO remain calm. Do not run — running can be used as evidence.
• DO NOT sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first. You have the right to refuse to sign.
• DO NOT show immigration documents or answer questions about your status.
• DO say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."
• If detained: you have the right to contact your consulate. ICE must give you a list of free legal services.
• Try to memorize or carry a phone number for your lawyer or a legal aid hotline.

• You have the right to speak with a lawyer — at your own expense or through a nonprofit. ICE must provide a list of free legal services.
• You have the right to contact your country's consulate. ICE must inform you of this right.
• You have the right to a bond hearing before an immigration judge (in most cases).
• You have the right to medical care while in detention.
• You have the right to receive and send mail and make phone calls.
• DO NOT sign a "voluntary departure" or any document without a lawyer. Signing can permanently affect your ability to return to the US.

Voluntary departure means you agree to leave the US on your own. It may sound better than deportation, but it has serious consequences:

• You may be barred from returning to the US for 3 or 10 years, or permanently.
• You give up your right to appeal in immigration court.
• You may waive eligibility for future immigration benefits.

Never sign voluntary departure without speaking to an immigration lawyer first. Say: "I do not want to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer."

This distinction is critical:

• Judicial warrant — signed by a federal judge, on court letterhead, with your correct name and address. This does authorize entry to your home.
• Administrative warrant (I-200 / I-205) — signed by an ICE officer, NOT a judge. This does not give ICE the right to enter your home without your consent. You do not have to open your door.

Ask them to slide the warrant under the door so you can read it. If it is signed by a judge, it will say "United States District Court" or similar court name at the top.

Yes — having US-citizen children does not automatically protect a parent from deportation. However:

• Having US-citizen children is a factor immigration judges may consider in your case.
• In some cases it may provide a path to legal status (usually when the child is 21 or older and petitions for a parent).
• You should designate a trusted adult as a caretaker for your children in case of your arrest. Keep an emergency plan with a lawyer or trusted family member.
• Create a Power of Attorney for your children's care before any crisis.

Speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation.

Carry with you:

• A copy of your immigration documents (I-94, visa, EAD, green card) — keep originals in a safe place
• A card with your lawyer's or legal aid's phone number
• A Know Your Rights card (print the one below)
• Contact info for a trusted person who can care for your children if needed

Keep at home in a secure place:

• Original immigration documents, passports, birth certificates
• Proof of residence and employment
• Power of attorney for children (if applicable)
• Emergency family plan with at least two trusted contacts