What To Know If ICE Comes To Your Door
If ICE knocks at your door, you have rights. The most important: check who signed any warrant before you open the door — an officer's signature and a judge's signature mean very different things, and which one it is is a contested, evolving area of law as of 2026, not settled nationwide.
Steps to take:
- Stay calm. Keep the door closed.
- Ask them to slide any warrant under the door.
- Look at who signed the warrant. Community legal organizations say only a judge's signature gives entry rights; ICE has asserted broader authority and courts are still deciding.
- Say: 'I do not consent to your entry. I want to speak to a lawyer. I am exercising my right to remain silent.'
- Do not run, lie, or show false documents.
For the full, currently-reviewed version of this guidance — including the warrant comparison, Red Cards, and a family preparedness plan — see Know Your Rights.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to open the door for ICE?
No. You do not have to open the door unless ICE shows a warrant signed by a judge. Community legal organizations say an ICE administrative warrant is not enough — this is a contested, actively litigated area of law as of 2026, not settled nationwide. See Know Your Rights for the current position and sources.
What can I say at the door?
You can say through the closed door: 'I do not consent to your entry. I want to speak to a lawyer. I am exercising my right to remain silent.'
What if they say they have a warrant?
Ask them to slide the warrant under the door. Check the top: community legal organizations say only a warrant signed by a judge (a 'judicial warrant') allows entry without consent, though ICE has asserted broader authority and the question is contested in federal court.
What if I am detained?
Stay silent. Do not sign any document you do not understand. You have the right to a lawyer, but the government will not appoint or pay for one — immigration court is civil, not criminal. You have the right to call your consulate.
Related guides
See all guidesUnderstand your notice today
Upload your USCIS, ICE, DHS, or immigration court letter. Get a plain-language explanation in your language.
Educational information only. Not legal advice. CartaLuma is not affiliated with USCIS, ICE, DHS, EOIR, CBP, DOL, the Department of State, or any government agency.