Sometimes, when the police issue a traffic violation they report people to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, (ICE). ICE may look into your immigration status. But they may also not investigate if you are a low priority.

ICE is less likely to investigate your immigration status if you got a minor traffic violation instead of a major one. If you are convicted of a minor traffic violation, ICE is not likely to investigate your immigration status if you have no criminal charges and are not in a high priority category.

Minor traffic violations: offenses that are considered minor traffic violations in Illinois may include:

• Driving without a license,
• Seat belt violations,
• Invalid vehicle registration,
• Changing lanes without signaling,
• Defective windshield,
• Failure to reduce speed,
• Failure to obey a stop sign,
• Improper turn signal, and
• Improper passing.

Note: Effective January 1, 2024, Illinois law enforcement can no longer stop or search you, your car, or your passenger solely based on having an object hanging from your rearview mirror.

Major traffic violations: offenses that are considered major traffic violations include:

• Driving under the influence,
• Hit and run,
• Reckless driving resulting in injury to persons, and
• Violations that have the potential of causing serious injury or harm to the public.

Low or high priority cases for immigration

Low priority: ICE is less likely to look into your immigration status if you:

• Are a veteran or a member of the U.S. armed forces,
• Are a long-time lawful permanent resident,
• Are a minor or elderly person,
• Have been present in the U.S. since childhood,
• Are pregnant or nursing,
• Are a victim of domestic violence, trafficking, or other serious crimes,
• Suffer from a serious mental or physical disability,
• Have a serious health condition,
• Graduated from a U.S. high school,
• Have pursued or are pursuing higher education in the U.S.,
• Have ties and make contributions to the community, and
• Are the primary caretaker of a minor, a seriously ill relative, or a person with a disability.

High priority: ICE is more likely to investigate your immigration status if you:

• Have been charged with crimes including violent offenses, felonies, or major traffic violations,
• Have a lengthy criminal record or repeated criminal convictions,
• Are a known gang member,
• Pose a danger to national security or a risk to public safety,
• Were arrested at the border or port while trying to enter the United States on or after November 1, 2020,
• Recently entered the U.S. illegally,
• Are a repeat violator of immigration laws including illegal entry and immigration fraud, and 
• Are a fugitive from immigration court.

Police questions and traffic stops

Being stopped and questioned by the police can be very stressful. Here are some important things to remember:

• Stay calm. Don’t run. Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police. This is key even if you are innocent or the police are violating your rights.,
• Always keep your hands where the police officer can see them.,
• Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly and silently walk away. If the officer says no, then you are under arrest, and you have a right to know why.,
• You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you do not want to answer questions, tell the officer out loud. If you do talk to the officer, do not lie. Lying is often a crime., and
• You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. Although, the police may pat down your clothing if they suspect that you possess a weapon. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent to any further search.

Getting arrested during a traffic stop

Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair. Say that you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Don’t give any explanations or excuses.

If you cannot pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one. You don't have this right if the crime you are charged with can only be punished by a fine. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.

You should ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction on your immigration status. Don’t discuss your status with anyone but your lawyer. If an immigration agent visits you in jail, do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer.

What you say to anyone other than your lawyer can and will be used to file criminal charges against you. It can also be used against you in any criminal case. This includes statements made to police, other law enforcement officers, and other people including prosecutors.

If you were arrested for a fine-only offense or a misdemeanor, you often would be eligible for prompt release from the station lock-up after you agree to an individual recognizance bond (I-bond). No more than 48 hours after your arrest, regardless of the charges, you have the right to appear before a neutral judge.

Getting detained by ICE for a minor traffic violation

If you are arrested for a minor traffic violation and do not fall within another high priority category, ICE may detain you only after you have been convicted. They may consider your case to be low priority and will be less likely to hold you.

If ICE detains you, you cannot be held for more than 48 hours. If ICE does not take any action after 48 hours, your detention ends, and law enforcement must release you.