Do not open the door

You do not have to open the door. Ask them to slide any warrant under the door, or hold it up to a window.

  • Only a judicial warrant — signed by a judge, with your correct name and address — lets them enter without your permission. An ICE administrative form (I-200 or I-205) does not.
  • You can say, through the closed door: "I do not consent to your entry. I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."
  • If they come in anyway, do not resist. Say clearly: "I do not consent to this search."

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You have the right to stay silent

You never have to say where you were born, what your status is, or how you entered the country.

  • Say it out loud: "I choose to remain silent." Staying quiet without saying so can be treated differently.
  • Do not lie, and never show false documents. That creates a new and separate problem.
  • Do not sign anything you do not understand. Signing can give up your right to a hearing. You have the right to talk to a lawyer first.
  • Avoid carrying documents from another country's government if you can — they can be used as evidence of where you were born.

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If you are stopped in public or in a car
  • Stay calm. Do not run, argue, or resist, even if you believe your rights are being violated.
  • Ask: "Am I free to leave?" If they say yes, walk away calmly. If they say no, you are being detained — say you want a lawyer and stay silent.
  • A driver must show a license, registration, and insurance. Passengers may ask if they are free to leave.
  • Sheriff's deputies, a county constable, and Jasper city police all hold federal agreements that let them act on immigration matters during ordinary police work — confirmed on ICE's own published list. Your rights above do not change because of it, but it is worth knowing. The agreements, and what they cover.
If you are watching an operation
  • You have a constitutional right to observe and record law enforcement in public, from a reasonable distance.
  • Do not interfere. Do not obstruct, and do not get between officers and anyone else. Interfering is a crime in Texas even though watching is not.
  • Note the time, the place, how many officers and vehicles, and any agency markings — then report it here. Leave out names and faces, including officers'.

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  • In the Fifth Circuit, which covers Texas, Turner v. Driver (2017) recognized a First Amendment right to record police in public, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner limits.
  • Texas Penal Code §38.15 makes interference with public duties an offense. Observing is not interference; obstructing is.
Make a plan before anything happens
  • Memorize two numbers. One trusted person who can act for you, and 1-844-363-1423 — the MigraWatch hotline for reporting enforcement activity. A phone in a pocket may not come with you.
  • Decide now who picks up your children, and tell that person.
  • Keep important documents where a trusted person can reach them.
  • Carry a red card — a printed card stating your rights that you can hand over instead of speaking.

This page is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, see the legal help on our Resources page.