On this page you will find resources that will allow you to prevent and be prepared for immigration emergencies such as raids, ICE visits to your home, detention, or risk of deportation. Use the menu below to navigate between resources.
Emergency Planning Guide
An emergency plan is a document that everyone should have to protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency, whether it be a fire, an earthquake, or an interaction with or arrest and detention by ICE. Make sure people you trust know where this document is, why it is important, and how to get it if you are detained by ICE. Be sure to keep your plan up to date and remember to never share this document with ICE.
Emergency CONTACTS
In the event of an immigration emergency, it is important to have a list of contacts who should to be notified of what is happening. Your emergency list should include anyone who needs to be notified. This list shouldn’t be limited to family members. Your list should include contact information for your home, your office or people you trust. Make sure people you trust know where this document is, why it is important, and how to get it if you are detained by ICE. Be sure to keep your plan up to date and remember to never share this document with ICE.
APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY GUARDIAN
This form is to designate an adult to be a standby guardian of your minor child(ren) in the event you are detained, incarcerated, or deported in connection with immigration action. The purpose of this form is to ensure a child’s well-being if their primary caregiver is unable to provide care due to a triggering event like illness, accident, or legal issues.
LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
A limited power of attorney (POA) is a document that gives someone the authority to act on another person’s behalf for a specific time and within certain limits. For immigration purposes, a POA can be used to grant a trusted family member or friend the authority to act on your behalf in case of deportation or detention.
what to do if ICE shows up at your home
Keep calm! You have constitutional rights.
- DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. No one can enter your home without your consent: “I will not open the door if I do not have a court order signed by a judge or magistrate.”
- If ICE enters your home, say: “I DO NOT consent to the search.”
- Exercise your right to remain silent! “I will not answer any questions and I exercise my right to remain silent.”
- DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENTS: “I will not sign any documents without first speaking to my lawyer.”
- Keep calm and it is better to remain silent (any incorrect information can harm you)
If officers come to my house, how do I know they are from ICE?
ICE agents will often pretend to be police officers and say they want to talk to you about an issue such as identity theft or a case they are investigating. If they say “WE ARE THE POLICE,” ask them to slide your card or warrant under the door or show it through the window.
Do I have to let ICE or the police into my house?
You do NOT have to let ICE or the police in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge authorizing them to enter and arrest someone in your home. You must ask them to slide the warrant under the door before opening it. In the vast majority of cases, ICE will not have a warrant and would need YOUR consent to enter your home. Opening the door does not mean you are giving your consent.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS VIDEOS:
Know Your Rights, Preparing for 2025 (ENGLISH)
Know Your Rights, Preparing for 2025 (SPANISH)
