Immigration is a hotter topic than ever before in the current political climate. Understanding what rights you have with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is an important way to ensure you and your family are protected should any issues arise. Regardless of whether you are a citizen, everyone who lives in the U.S. has certain rights that cannot be violated. But what exactly are those rights and how do you exercise them?

What if ICE Knocks on My Door?

It’s scary, but you still have your rights. When they knock on your door, you must ask them to identify themselves as immigration officers or ICE agents. You are only required to open the door if they have a valid search warrant granted by a judge. You have the right to ask them to slip the paperwork under the door rather than having to let them in or open the door to inspect it.

Once a warrant has been presented and inspected, they are permitted to enter the home if they have an arrest warrant and believe the person is in the home. Deportation warrants do not grant officers access in the home without your consent. If they enter anyway, you have the right to calmly inform them that you do not consent to a search and request a lawyer.

Things Not to Say to ICE Agents

You are not required to discuss your citizenship with an ICE agent. This includes how you came to live in the country. The only exception to this rule is for those with a nonimmigrant visa or at an airport or border. If you are not a U.S. citizen and the ICE agent asks for your papers, you are required to present them. If you don’t have the papers, you have the right to stay silent.

When in Custody

If you find yourself in ICE custody, you still have rights. You have the right to stay silent and can refuse to discuss anything with anyone besides your lawyer. Do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer. A simple document could have a dire impact on your ability to stay in the country.

If you are worried about ICE or have found yourself in custody, you need an experienced immigration lawyer. Contact us at Reinherz Law today to find out how our attorneys can protect your rights.

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