ICE operations are intensifying in cities across the country – from Chicago to Houston to Los Angeles – causing anxiety and fear for undocumented immigrants and their loved ones. Whether you are undocumented yourself or have family members at risk, it’s critical to understand that immigrants have rights – no matter your status.
As I told the Chicago Tribune in January,
“You do NOT have to answer questions or sign anything without a lawyer present.”
Too often, individuals are pressured into giving up their rights during high-stress situations. Here’s what you and your loved ones need to know.
If ICE stops you, you do not have to answer any questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the U.S. Calmly state, “I choose to remain silent,” and ask to speak with your attorney.
You can ask for an attorney immediately – even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. Do not sign anything without speaking to a qualified immigration lawyer. Many deportation cases can be prevented or delayed with proper legal help.
If immigration officers come to your door, ask them to show you a warrant signed by a judge. Hold it up to a window or slide it under the door. If they don’t have one, you do not have to let them in.
You have the right to refuse a search of your home, car, or belongings unless officers have a valid warrant. Make your refusal clear, but do not physically resist.
If it’s safe to do so, record the encounter on your phone. Get badge numbers, names, time, location, and any statements made. These details can be vital if you need to fight your case in court.
Prepare a family plan. Share emergency contact information, designate someone to care for your children, and store important documents in a safe place. ICE generally avoids enforcement at schools, hospitals, and places of worship – but having a plan ensures you’re ready.
If you or a family member is detained:
You may be held in a deportation facility
You have the right to a bond hearing in many cases
You will likely be scheduled for a removal (deportation) hearing
Legal representation during these stages is critical. Your chances of release and long-term relief improve dramatically when you have a lawyer.
Don’t wait. Speak with an experienced immigration attorney. Carry a Know Your Rights card in your wallet, and make sure your family knows what to do. Organizations like RAICES, the National Immigration Law Center, and local immigrant advocacy groups offer help and guidance.
Across the country, communities are organizing to support those at risk. If ICE comes to your neighborhood or workplace, it’s important to stay calm and informed. You are not alone – and you are not without rights.
At Godoy Law Office, we’ve helped countless families navigate the immigration system with dignity, hope, and strong legal representation. In these uncertain times, one thing is clear: Knowledge is power.
If you or someone you love is undocumented and afraid of being targeted by ICE, contact us today. We serve clients nationwide and are here to fight for your rights.
📞 Call 855-908-3963
💻 Schedule a consultation online
📍 Serving all 50 states from 6 convenient Chicago locations: Oak Brook • Waukegan • Elgin • Orland Park • Berwyn • Aurora
📌 Q: Can ICE come into my house without a warrant?
A: No. ICE needs a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. If they don’t have a judicial warrant, you can legally refuse to let them in. Speak through the door and do not open it.
📌 Q: Do I have to talk to ICE agents?
A: No. You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. Politely say, “I choose to remain silent and want to speak to a lawyer.”
📌 Q: What should I do if I’m stopped in public by ICE?
A: Stay calm. You still have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer. Do not run or resist. Ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, calmly walk away.
📌 Q: Can ICE arrest me at work or in public places?
A: Yes, ICE can arrest individuals in public places or workplaces, but they must follow strict procedures. You still have rights – including the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent.
📌 Q: What happens after someone is detained by ICE?
A: The person may be held in a detention center and scheduled for a bond or deportation hearing. It’s important to speak to an immigration attorney right away to explore options like asylum, cancellation of removal, or release on bond.
📌 Q: Can an undocumented immigrant get a lawyer?
A: Yes. Everyone has the right to legal representation in immigration court. However, the government does not provide free lawyers, so it’s important to contact a private immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal service provider as soon as possible.
📌 Q: What should I keep in an emergency plan?
A: Keep the following ready:
A “Know Your Rights” card
Contact info for your lawyer and a trusted friend or family member
A child care plan
Copies of IDs, medical records, and immigration documents stored in a secure, accessible place
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
