"As we were walking out of Target, we saw a group of ICE agents. Two of the agents approached us. It sounds like a scene from a Gestapo movie."

"There is no authority that is going to step in to protect us. We need to be intentional in doing whatever we can to protect ourselves and each other. I wish safety for you and your community."

If you encounter ICE agents, immigration attorneys, and civil rights organizations emphasize that everyone in the US has constitutional protections, regardless of immigration status. However, it's important to understand that while you have these rights, ICE agents may not always respect them in practice.

Civil rights organizations have documented numerous cases where ICE agents have ignored constitutional protections, entered homes without proper warrants, or detained people despite their assertions of rights. Knowing your rights doesn't guarantee ICE will follow the law — but it's still crucial to understand what protections you're legally entitled to, both for your own safety and for any potential legal recourse later.

Here are trusted resources to help you understand and exercise your rights:

 • National "Know Your Rights" page: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights/

 • Video series in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, Urdu, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian, Mandarin): https://www.aclumaine.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-video-series-interacting-immigration-agents/

 • Includes: 1) State-specific guides available through local ACLU chapters

 • Interactive "Know Your Rights with ICE" tool: https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/know-your-rights-with-ice/

 • Includes: 1) Downloadable flyers in English and Spanish; 2) Information on ICE tactics and how agents may try to mislead people

 • Criminal-Immigration helpline: (212) 725-6422

 • Resource library: https://www.nilc.org/resources/

 • Includes: 1) "How to Find a Loved One After a U.S. Immigration Arrest" guide; 2) Airport safety tips for immigrants; 3) Information on employment rights and public benefits

 • "Red Cards" to assert your rights: https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/know-your-rights

 • Includes: 1) Downloadable signs and community materials; 2) Five key reminders about constitutional rights during ICE encounters

 • "Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE": https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/

 • ICE online detainee locator: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

 • Includes: 1) Emergency planning guides for families

You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status. (However, ICE may still detain you even if you exercise this right.)

You have the right to refuse searches of your home, car, or belongings unless agents have a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. (Note: ICE agents have been documented entering homes without proper warrants.)

You can ask "Am I free to leave?" If they say yes, you can calmly walk away.

ICE agents cannot legally enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge (not an ICE administrative warrant).

You have the right to speak to a lawyer before answering questions.

Do not lie or show false documents — this can be used against you.

Do not physically resist, even if you believe the agents are violating your rights. Physical resistance can lead to additional charges and won't stop a detention.

Important: Document everything. If you witness ICE activity or experience a violation of your rights, try to safely document the encounter (write down badge numbers, take photos/video from a safe distance if possible, note the time and location). This documentation can be crucial for legal challenges later.

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.