ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE is the agency that makes immigration arrests and detention. Illinois police officers cannot enforce immigration laws or assist ICE.

Everyone in the US has rights, no matter what their immigration status is. You have the right to remain silent. You may refuse to speak to immigration officers. This means that you should not answer any questions. Don’t say anything about where you were born or how you entered the USA.

Carry a know-your-rights card and show it if an immigration officer stops you. 

Do not open your door. It’s easier to decline to answer if ICE is outside your house. If ICE says that they have a warrant, they can hold it against a window or slide it under the door. To be valid, the warrant must have your correct name and address on it. You do not need to open the door to talk with an ICE agent. Once you open the door, it is much harder to refuse to answer questions.

You have the right to speak to a lawyer. You can simply say, “I need to speak to my attorney.”

Before you sign anything, talk to a lawyer.

Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have. For example, if you have a valid work permit or green card, be sure to have it with you in case you need to show it for identification purposes. Do not carry papers from another country with you, such as a foreign passport.

If you are worried ICE will arrest you, let the officer know if you have children.

Remember: the 5 most important things you can do during a raid

1. Stay calm and do not run away
2. Remain silent, or tell the ICE agent that you want to remain silent. If you do speak, do not lie.
3. Ask to speak with a lawyer
4. Do NOT sign any documents or answer questions without your lawyer present
5. Record details and names of officers