How to Prepare Yourself for an Immigration Raid

Contents

Overview

It is important to be prepared and to know your rights and your family’s rights in case of a raid or other encounter with ICE or local law enforcement. 

Everybody has rights under the U.S. constitution that you may exercise in such a situation. There are also a number of steps you can take ahead of any encounter to minimize panic, family separation, and loss of financial assets. The below guides provide helpful information on preparing as well as responding to a raid in your home, workplace, or in a public space.

Watch & Learn

Know Your Rights & Family Preparedness Video

All immigrants, undocumented and documented, in the U.S. have certain rights under the Constitution. Learn about your rights and how your family can best prepare for an encounter with immigration enforcement.

Conozca sus derechos y haga un plan de preparación para su familia

Todos los inmigrantes, indocumentados y documentados, en los Estados Unidos tienen ciertos derechos bajo la Constitución. Aprenda sobre sus derechos y cómo su familia puede prepararse mejor para un encuentro con la aplicación de la ley de inmigración.

The 5 Most Important Things You Can Do During A Raid

  • Stay calm and do not run away

  • Remain silent, or tell the ICE agent that you want to remain silent. If you do speak, do not lie.

  • Ask to speak with a lawyer

  • Do NOT sign any documents or answer questions without your lawyer present

  • Record details and names of officers

Raid Preparedness Resources

Community Raid Preparedness Checklist

Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM)
This is a checklist for advocates responding to raids and preparing legal resources to prevent a deportation.
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  • Multilingual

NILC: How to be Prepared for an Immigration Raid

National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
What to do when you come in contact with ICE agents and how to develop a rapid response plan .
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MIRC: Family Preparedness Guide

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC)
This thorough guide helps readers develop a family plan in the event of a raid.
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IDP: Home Raid Poster

Immigrant Defense Project
Hang this poster in your home to remind you and your family of your rights, what to say, and what to document in case of an ICE (immigration) raid. Available in English, Spanish, French, Simplified Mandarin, Traditional Mandarin, Korean, and Tagalog.
Download in English
Download in Spanish Visit for All Languages

Know Your Rights Resources

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  • Multilingual

NDLON: Rights if Stopped by ICE in a Public Place

National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
This bilingual illustrated guide provides simple instructions for navigating an interaction with immigration enforcement in a public place or on the street. Available in English and Spanish.
Download in English
Download in Spanish
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ILRC: Compilation of Resources on Raids and Other Immigration Enforcement Actions

Immigrant Legal Resource Center
A detailed compilation of resources for the community and allies around raid preparedness, locating detainees, knowing basic rights, family preparedness, and more.
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Employers and Employees: Workplace Rights + Responses to ICE Raids

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Employer Guide to Preparing for ICE in the Workplace

National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Immigrant Law Center (NILC)
This guide explains the most common immigration actions affecting employers, recommendations for how employers can prepare for immigration enforcement actions, employer’s rights and responsibilities, and what employers can do after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action.
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  • Multilingual

Oregon Rapid Response Network: Employer Know Your Rights

Oregon Rapid Response Network
A helpful guide for employers and employees on ICE Raids, I-9 Audits and Succession Planning compiled by Small Business Legal Clinic, Immigration Counseling Service, K&L Gates and Perkins Coie.
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