If Officers Come to Your Home

Your home has strong constitutional protections. Know what to do if law enforcement arrives at your door.

Important

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. If you face a specific situation, consult an attorney.

Fourth Amendment Protection

The Fourth Amendment protects everyone in the United States from unreasonable searches and seizures, regardless of immigration status. This means your home has special legal protection.

What the Fourth Amendment Means for You

  • Judicial warrant required: ICE agents need a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter and search your home or non-public areas of a business
  • Administrative warrants are different: Administrative warrants (Form I-200 or I-205) do NOT give ICE permission to enter your home without consent
  • Right to verify: You have the right to ask to see a warrant before opening your door
  • Consent matters: Without a judicial warrant, agents can only enter if you give them permission. You can refuse.

Your Rights at the Door

You Don't Have to Open the Door

Without a warrant signed by a judge, you generally do not have to open your door to law enforcement. You can speak through the door or a window.

Ask to See the Warrant

If officers claim to have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it to a window. Check that it's signed by a judge and has the correct address.

Types of Warrants Matter

A search warrant (signed by a judge) allows entry. An ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does NOT authorize entry into a home without consent.

You Can Remain Silent

You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or who lives in your home. Say: "I choose to remain silent."

Step by Step: When Agents Arrive at Your Door

1

Stay Calm and Do Not Open the Door

Take a breath. You have constitutional rights. Keep the door closed and locked. Gather your family in one room away from the door if possible.

2

Ask Questions Through the Door

Speak through the door or a window. Ask:

  • "Are you police?" or "What agency are you from?"
  • "Why are you here?"
  • "Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?"
3

If They Claim to Have a Warrant

Ask them to hold it up to the window or slide it under the door. Check these things:

  • Is it signed by a judge (not just an immigration officer)?
  • Is your address listed correctly?
  • Is the name correct?
  • Is it a judicial warrant or an ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205)?
4

If No Valid Judicial Warrant

You can refuse entry. Say clearly:

"I do not consent to your entry. Please leave any information under the door."

You do not have to open the door. An administrative warrant (I-200 or I-205) is NOT a judicial warrant and does not authorize entry.

5

If They Have a Valid Judicial Warrant

If you verify it is a judicial warrant signed by a judge with your correct address:

  • Step outside and close the door behind you (if possible)
  • Exercise your right to remain silent
  • Say: "I wish to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer."
6

If They Enter Without a Valid Warrant

If agents enter illegally:

  • Do not physically resist - this can lead to charges against you
  • State clearly: "I do not consent to this search"
  • Remember as many details as possible (badge numbers, what was said, how many agents)
  • Contact an immigration attorney immediately afterward
  • Document everything you can remember

Judicial vs. Administrative Warrants: Know the Difference

Understanding the difference between warrant types is critical. Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge authorizes entry into your home. Many people have opened their doors for administrative warrants, not realizing they had the right to refuse.

Feature Judicial Warrant ICE Administrative Warrant
Signed by A judge (federal or state court) An ICE officer (not a judge)
Form numbers Various court-issued documents Form I-200 or Form I-205
Authorizes home entry Yes - you must comply No - you can refuse
What to look for Judge's signature, court seal, your correct address "Department of Homeland Security" letterhead, ICE officer signature
Your response Comply, remain silent, ask for lawyer You may say "I do not consent" and keep door closed

Judicial Warrant

  • ✓ Signed by a judge
  • ✓ Issued by a federal or state court
  • ✓ Has a court seal
  • ✓ Authorizes entry into your home
  • ✓ You must comply (but can remain silent)

ICE Administrative Warrant

  • ✗ Signed by an ICE officer, not a judge
  • ✗ Forms I-200 or I-205
  • ✗ Does NOT have a court seal
  • ✗ Does NOT authorize home entry
  • ✗ You can refuse to open the door

How to Check a Warrant

Ask officers to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window. Look for a judge's signature (not just an ICE officer's signature) and verify your address is correct. Take a photo if you can safely do so.

Specific Phrases to Use

Memorize these exact phrases. In a stressful situation, it helps to know exactly what to say. You can also print these and keep them near your door.

When asking for identification

"Are you police? What agency are you from?"

When asking about a warrant

"Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?"

When refusing entry

"I do not consent to your entry."

When exercising your right to remain silent

"I wish to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer."

If they enter without your consent

"I do not consent to this search."

When requesting information

"Please leave any information under the door."

Tip: Practice saying these phrases with your family. In a high-stress situation, having rehearsed responses makes it easier to assert your rights calmly and clearly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In stressful situations, people often make mistakes that can harm their case. Here is what NOT to do:

Do NOT open the door

Opening the door can be interpreted as consent to enter. Keep it closed and speak through the door or a window.

Do NOT physically resist

Even if agents enter illegally, do not push, block, or physically resist them. This can lead to criminal charges against you and make your situation worse.

Do NOT answer questions about immigration status

You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status. Anything you say can be used against you.

Do NOT sign anything without a lawyer

Never sign any documents without first consulting an attorney. You may unknowingly sign away your rights or agree to voluntary departure.

Do NOT lie or provide false documents

Lying to federal officers or providing false documents can result in criminal charges. It is better to remain silent than to lie.

Do NOT try to run or flee

Attempting to flee can result in additional charges and may be dangerous. Stay calm and assert your rights verbally.

Do NOT assume an administrative warrant allows entry

ICE administrative warrants (Form I-200 or I-205) do NOT authorize agents to enter your home. Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge does.

Family Preparedness

The best time to prepare is before you need to. Creating a family safety plan and gathering important documents can make a critical difference if an emergency occurs.

Documents to Gather

Keep copies of these documents in a safe, accessible place. Consider giving copies to a trusted friend or family member:

Identity Documents

  • Birth certificates for all family members
  • Passports (especially for U.S. citizen children)
  • Social Security cards
  • Immigration documents (green cards, work permits, visa stamps)

Family Records

  • Medical records and prescription information
  • School records
  • Marriage certificates
  • Insurance policies

Financial & Property

  • Bank account information
  • Property deeds or lease agreements
  • Vehicle titles and registration
  • Cash for emergencies

Legal Preparations

  • Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit
  • Guardianship Nomination Form
  • Power of Attorney for finances
  • Medical authorization for caregivers

Emergency Contact List

Create a list with these contacts and keep it accessible. Memorize the most important numbers:

  • Immigration attorney - Know one and have their number memorized or written down
  • Designated caregiver for children - Someone trusted who can care for children if needed
  • Local rapid response hotline - To report enforcement activity and get help
  • Trusted family and friends - Who can help in an emergency
  • Children's schools - With updated emergency contact information
  • Consulate of your country of origin - Can provide consular assistance if detained

Create a Family Safety Plan

  • Designate caregivers for children

    Complete legal forms (Caregiver Authorization, Guardianship Nomination) and make sure designated caregivers have copies.

  • Update school emergency contacts

    Make sure schools have current information about who can pick up children.

  • Discuss age-appropriate plans with children

    Children should know who to call and where to go without being frightened unnecessarily.

  • Practice what to say at the door

    Rehearse the phrases with your family so everyone knows what to do.

  • Keep a "Know Your Rights" card by the door

    Have phrases and rights visible so you can reference them in a stressful moment.

  • Arrange financial access

    Consider joint bank accounts or access for a trusted person. Set up autopay for bills.

For Mixed-Status Families

Approximately 70% of households with undocumented members also include U.S. citizens or documented residents. If your family has mixed immigration status, additional planning is important:

  • Ensure U.S. citizen children have valid passports
  • Create power of attorney and guardianship documents
  • Build a support network of trusted adults who can help with children
  • Consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation

Family Preparedness Resources

For detailed family preparedness guides and forms, visit:

Resources

Know Your Rights Cards

Legal Resources

Family Preparedness

Video Resources

Quick Reference: Key Phrases

"Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?"

Always ask before opening the door

"I do not consent to your entry."

Assert your right to refuse entry

"I wish to remain silent."

Exercise your Fifth Amendment rights

"I want to speak with a lawyer."

Request legal representation