How to prepare for immigration, CBP, and ICE raids

Imerekebishwa Machi 4, 2025
Immigration enforcement is increasing in the U.S. It is important to know how to protect yourself and your family. Learn what to expect with ICE, CBP, and raids. Know your rights in different situations and how to create a safety plan.   
Chapisha

What is immigration enforcement?

Immigration enforcement is carried out by several agencies:

  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts raids, holds non-citizens in detention, and deportations for those without legal status.
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manages borders and checks documents at entry points.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees ICE and CBP and sets policies.
  • Local police and sheriffs may now also help with immigration efforts.

Who is at risk?

Recent changes mean more people will be targeted by immigration enforcement:

  • Undocumented immigrants without legal status are at the highest risk of detention and deportation, especially those who:
    • Have final removal orders or prior deportation orders.
    • Have been in the U.S. for less than 2 years.
    • Have any type of criminal record, even for minor offenses.
  • Green Card holders with a criminal conviction, such as driving under the influence, firearm or drug possession, theft, or violent crime. This can even be for an old case or one that did not require jail time. 
  • Asylum seekers near the U.S.-Mexico border will face stricter enforcement. Even if you are seeking asylum, you will still likely be detained and made to remain in Mexico once the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) program restarts.
  • Immigrants with visa violations, such as those working without authorization.
  • Immigrants with a status that ends, such as those who lose humanitarian parole or temporary protected status.
  • Even those with lawful status could still face enforcement if you cannot quickly prove your legal status. Having family members with legal status does not protect you from deportation if you are undocumented.

What to expect

  • ICE usually selects targets in advance and must issue a removal order. If you cannot prove you have lived in the U.S. for at least two years, you could face expedited removal, which is quicker deportation without seeing a judge.
  • Most ICE arrests occur when someone is already in police custody, as local police share records with immigration authorities.
  • ICE agents may try to stop and arrest you at your home, work, on the streets, while traveling, or in courthouses. Raids can also now happen in schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
  • ICE agents may act like they are police or probation officers. Remember to ask to see their badge and find out which department they work for.
  • ICE officers do not always have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. They may lie or use intimidation to try to gain entry or search you.

Jua haki zako za msingi

Regardless of your immigration status, you have constitutional rights:

  1. Right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the U.S.
  2. Right to refuse a search without a warrant signed by a judge. You can refuse a search of yourself, your home, your car, and your belongings.
  3. Right to speak with an attorney. If you are detained by ICE, the government is not required to provide you with a lawyer. If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.

General tips to protect yourself

  • Stay calm and polite.
  • Ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is “yes,” calmly walk away. If the answer is “no,” do not walk or run away and stay where you are. You may then choose to use your right to remain silent.
  • Ask to see a warrant. They can hold it up to a window or slide it under the door. For it to be valid, it must be a search warrant signed by a judge and have your correct name and address on it. An arrest warrant for someone else does not allow them to search your home, but if they have an arrest warrant for you and believe you are inside, they can enter.
  • Only provide your identification when the law requires it. In most states, you must show a driver’s license if you are pulled over. You also must show your immigration identification to an immigration officer who requests it if you have lawful status, but are not a U.S. citizen.
  • Avoid actions that could harm your case:
    • Do not answer any unnecessary questions.
    • Do not lie or provide false documents.
    • Do not resist an arrest or search.
    • Do not sign any paperwork without a lawyer.
    • Do not reveal your country of nationality.
  • Do not tell ICE how or where to find someone else. You do not need to lie. Just say “I can not answer that.” 
  • Record or document the encounter. Write down the names, badge numbers, and contact information of the officers involved.  

Report a raid: Call United We Dream at 844-363-1423 or text to 877877.

At work

If ICE comes to your work, they must generally have a search warrant or the permission of your employer to enter.

  • Alert your supervisor if possible and continue working.
  • You do not have to provide proof of employment. 
  • You have the right to refuse to form a line based on immigration status. If you are forced to move, do not resist.
  • Remember your basic rights and our general tips above.

At home

If ICE comes to your home, they will likely knock on your door and ask to speak with someone.

  • Do not open the door. In general, the only two ways they can enter your home is with permission from someone in your home or a search warrant issued by a judge.
  • Do not invite the officer into your home. If ICE says they are here to arrest someone or search your home, do not open the door. Tell everyone, including your children, not to open the door as it may be seen as permission to enter.
  • Ask for their identification and ask to look at the warrant if they have one. 
  • Let them know if children or vulnerable individuals are in the house if they enter with a proper warrant.
  • Remember your basic rights and our general tips above.

(https://youtu.be/X_tLoRdoECM?si=HEGy47mMJDq-uld8)

In your car

If you are pulled over while in your car, local police need reasonable suspicion for a stop, and immigration officers need a federal or immigration-related issue.

  • Safely pull over: Stop the car as soon as it is safe, turn off the engine, turn on the interior light, open the window slightly, and keep your hands on the wheel.
  • Provide required documents: If you are driving, show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. You may use your right to remain silent about other details.
  • Remember your basic rights and our general tips above.

At borders and airports

  • Immigration can question whether you have lawful immigration status and if you can enter the U.S.
  • You have the right to seek asylum and should state you fear returning to your home country clearly and loudly. 
  • Immigration can search your belongings for contraband and may take your fingerprints.
  • Remember your basic rights and our general tips above.

Create a safety plan

Preparing a plan in advance can help protect you and your family. 

Plan with trusted contacts

  • Find and speak with an immigration lawyer: Get legal advice on whether you or a loved one qualify for any relief against deportation. Memorize their number.
  • Choose a trusted contact: Have a family member or friend who can manage your case and provide support if you are detained. Memorize their number.
  • Share key contact information: Make sure your trusted contact phone numbers for your lawyer, union, consulate, and other critical services. 
  • Let them know how to locate you: Share your immigration “A” number and instructions for using the ICE detainee locator. Also, consider using the Notifica app.

Prepare and protect your documents

  • Make copies and store them in a safe place known by your trusted contact. This includes birth certificates, passports, and immigration records.
  • Always carry important documents:
    • Proof of your immigration status, such as a Green Card, I-94, EAD, or I-797 Approval Notice.
    • If your status is pending, carry a copy of receipts from USCIS, Form I-797.
    • If in removal proceedings, carry a copy of your Notice of Hearing, receipts for applications filed, or a parole notice.
    • If represented by a lawyer, carry signed copies of Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney).
    • If undocumented, proof you have lived in the U.S. longer than 2 years (to avoid expedited removal). This can be a lease, utility bills, or school records. 
    • Know Your Rights card.
  • Do not carry false or foreign documents: Avoid carrying documents from another country (such as a foreign passport). These can be used against you in deportation proceedings.

Financial, medical, and digital preparedness

  • Set aside money: Save funds for legal fees, bonds, and basic needs (food, toiletries) in case of detention.
  • Plan for financial needs: Consider assigning a power of attorney so someone you trust can manage your finances if necessary.
  • Back up images: Save your photos and videos to cloud storage so that interactions with ICE are documented and accessible without your phone.
  • Plan for health needs: Write down your doctor’s contact information and details about your medications. Make sure your trusted contact can get your medical information if needed.

Plan for your children

  • Arrange childcare: Identify at least two people who can care for your children if you are detained and write down their contact details. Provide your child’s school with the designated caregiver’s contact information.
  • Secure important documents: Ensure your children have valid passports. Share copies of their birth certificates, medical records, and any relevant information about special needs.
  • Legal preparations: The process for legally choosing a guardian depends on where you live. Check your state’s requirements and consider completing a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit or other document to legally designate a guardian.
  • Communicate with your children: Discuss what to expect and reassure them that they will be cared for if you are not available.

After an arrest

If you are detained by ICE or CBP, remember to:

  • Use your right to remain silent. 
  • Ask to speak to a lawyer.
  • Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first.
  • Inform officers if you have children and any medical issues.
  • Ask to call your trusted contact.

Call the Immigration Detention Hotline at 209-757-3733 or 9233# from a detention facility phone.

Tafuta msaada

If you fear deportation, seek help immediately. Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal services.

Taarifa kwenye ukurasa huu inatoka CLINIC, NILC, ILRC, NIJC, IDP, Documented NY, na vyanzo vingine vinavyoaminika. Tunakusudia kutoa taarifa rahisi kueleweka ambazo zinarekebishwa mara kwa mara. Taarifa hii sio ushauri wa kisheria.

Zaidi kutoka USAHello

Je, unatafuta taarifa mahususi?