What to do if ICE knocks on my door?

Short answer

Don't open the door. Ask the agent to slide any warrant under the door and check that it is signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant alone does not let agents enter your home. You have the right to stay silent and to speak with a lawyer, and you should not sign anything until a lawyer reviews it.

Last reviewed: October 2026 · General information, not legal advice

If an agent is at your door

1. 1Don't open the door. Ask them to slide any warrant under the door.
2. 2Check for a judge's signature. An administrative ICE warrant alone doesn't allow entry.
3. 3Stay silent. Say: “I choose to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”
4. 4Don't sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first.

Get help nowFind free legal help near you →Houston area: call 1-833-HOU-IMMI (1-833-468-4664), weekdays 9 am to 5 pm

Rights cards in your language

Print one and keep it with you, or share it with family on WhatsApp.

বাংলাBengaliDownload →हिन्दीHindiDownload →ಕನ್ನಡKannadaDownload →മലയാളംMalayalamDownload →ਪੰਜਾਬੀPunjabiDownload →اردوUrduDownload →

What should I do if ICE comes to my home?

• Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it to a window.
• Check that it is a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant alone does not let agents enter.
• You can say: “I do not consent to entry without a warrant. Please leave any information at the door.”
• Stay calm even if they threaten you. Contact your lawyer or a trusted contact after they leave.

What if I'm stopped in public?

• Stay calm. You don't have to discuss your immigration status. You can say: “I choose to remain silent until I speak with a lawyer.”
• Never hand over false documents.
• If someone says they're from ICE, politely ask to see a badge or warrant.
• Write down the officer's name, badge number, date and location.
• Don't sign anything, including “voluntary departure” forms, until a lawyer reviews it.

How can my family prepare ahead?

• Keep copies of your passport, visa papers, birth and marriage certificates, work authorization and driver's license.
• Store originals somewhere safe and keep digital copies in a password-protected folder.
• Track expiry dates on visas, work permits and licenses. If you change jobs or addresses, update USCIS promptly.
• Mixed-status families: name emergency contacts, arrange care for children or elderly relatives, and pack a bag with medications and copies of key documents.
• Consider a power of attorney so someone you trust can make decisions for you.
• Avoid sharing sensitive immigration information on social media.

What if someone I love is detained?

• Give your name, but don't discuss your immigration status.
• Say: “I want to speak with a lawyer.”
• Ask to call family or a hotline.
• Many people can ask an immigration judge for bond, with some exceptions.
• Get free or low-cost legal help from the organizations listed below.

What happens in deportation proceedings?

• The steps: Notice to Appear, master calendar hearing, merits hearing, then the judge's decision.
• Possible relief includes asylum, TPS, DACA, U visas and VAWA protections.
• Appeals go to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Deadlines are short, usually 30 days, so contact a lawyer right away.

Find free or low-cost legal help

Search by ZIP codeImmigrationLawHelp.orgFree directory of nonprofit immigration legal services across Texas.Visit →StatewideACLU of TexasKnow-your-rights guides for dealing with police and immigration officers.Visit →San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, HoustonRAICESFree and low-cost immigration legal services.Visit →Dallas–Fort WorthHuman Rights Initiative of North TexasFree legal services for immigrant survivors of persecution and abuse.Visit →Austin and Central TexasAmerican GatewaysImmigration legal services and representation.Visit →Attorney referralsSouth Asian Bar AssociationFind a local chapter of South Asian lawyers, including Houston and Dallas.Visit →

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to open the door if ICE knocks?

No. Ask them to slide any warrant under the door. Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge lets agents enter your home. An administrative ICE warrant alone does not.

What is the difference between a judicial warrant and an ICE warrant?

A judicial warrant is signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant is issued by immigration officials and, on its own, does not allow agents to enter your home without your consent.

Do I have to answer questions about my immigration status?

No. You can stay silent and say: “I choose to remain silent until I speak with a lawyer.” Never hand over false documents.

Should I sign papers ICE gives me?

Don't sign anything, including “voluntary departure” forms, until a lawyer has reviewed it.

Where can I find free immigration legal help in Texas?

Search by ZIP code at ImmigrationLawHelp.org, or contact RAICES, the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, American Gateways or the ACLU of Texas. In the Houston area, call 1-833-HOU-IMMI (1-833-468-4664).

This post is general information from SAAVETX EF, a nonpartisan organization, and is not legal advice. Talk to a licensed immigration attorney about your situation.