Frequently Asked Questions

Below are tips, provided by immigration attorneys, in the event you find yourself engaged with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. (Updated 2/3/2026.)

This webpage is a work in progress and is updated as necessary/as additional resources become available. If you have additional questions or have a resource to recommend adding, please contact us. 

I am a citizen already; what documents should I carry with me? 

  • Although not required by law, have a copy of your passport or naturalization certificate. 

What should I do if I am approached or pulled over by ICE? 

  • Behave in a calm manner, keep your hands visible, and do not make any sudden movements. Do not run, argue, resist, or obstruct agents. 
  • You may ask, “Am I under arrest or am I free to leave?” If you are not being arrested, you may leave. 

What if I’m asked about my legal status?

  • If an ICE agent asks your legal status, you do not have to answer. You may remain silent or say “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with an attorney.” 
  • If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required by law to carry proof of your citizenship.  
  • If you are a non-citizen, 18 and over, you are required by law to carry your original green card, work permit, I-94, or visa(s). If you are asked for proof of your status, you must provide them if you have them. If you do not have these documents with you, you may say to the ICE agent(s) that you wish to remain silent. 
  • Do not lie or provide ICE agents with fake documents. 

Do I need to let ICE agents in if they knock on my door? 

  • Don’t open the door. Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, you may request they slide it under the door or hold it up for you to see. Agents must have a signed judicial warrant with the correct name and address on it to enter a home or private area of a business. 
  • If agents do have a valid judicial warrant, you are required by law to open the door.

Can I call 911 if ICE threatens to kick down my door? 

Yes, but depending on your local police department policy, they may or may not assist. 

What do I do if I am arrested by ICE? 

  • Do not resist. If you wish to remain silent, say so out loud. 
  • For additional information, go to https://www.ilrc.org/redcards to print a hard copy of this “Know Your Rights” Red Card. 

What should I do if I am detained by ICE? 

  • Call a friend or family member when possible. 
  • If you believe someone who has disappeared for more than 24 hours has been picked up by ICE, contact the office of your U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. You can also call the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. 

What do I do if I am asked by ICE to sign any documents?

  • Do not sign any documents/forms if you do not understand the content of the document. 

How can I ask ICE to leave my building or event?

  • Ask if the ICE agents have a judicial warrant; if they do not, politely ask them to leave. 

If I witness an ICE encounter, what should I do and what are my rights as a bystander?

  • Do not verbally or physically assault them. You may record what you are seeing. 

What are my rights and what can I do if ICE attacks me during a peaceful protest?

  • Record it. Report the incident to the appropriate offices such as the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office via (800) 657-3787, Monarca via (612) 441-2881, or the Immigrant Defense Network via (612) 255-3112. 

I was a permanent resident and now have a removal order. I am scheduled to complete my usual check in with immigration. How should I proceed? 

  • Consult an immigration attorney about attending the check in with you. Note, many immigration attorneys are not retained in anticipation of detention, but it may be possible to request that a retained attorney do so. If a prior criminal conviction is the reason for the removal order, consider contacting a criminal attorney to discuss reopening the old case.
  • Fill out the Ice Privacy Waiver and send it to your attorney. This waiver enables DHS to share your records with a third party such as an attorney, family member, or member of congress. Note, this waiver is only valid for 90 days after it has been signed. 
  • As a precaution, fill out a Power of Attorney form and Delegation of Parental Authority form (DOPA) if you have children. 

What if I can't find an immigration attorney to take my case? 

  • Immigration attorneys in the Minnesota area have seen a tremendous influx of clients recently. While we may not be able to connect concerned community members with qualified legal help, refer to our Local and National Resources page to determine if there are additional resources available to you.