It’s important to know what to do if immigration enforcement officers approach you. Whether you’re at home, at work, or out in public, these steps can help you protect yourself, your children, and your rights.

​

1. Stay Calm & Don’t Run

​

• Take a deep breath.

• Do not run or resist, as this can make things worse or be used against you later.

​

2. Ask to See a Warrant

​

• Say: “Do you have a warrant? May I see it?”

• Do not open the door. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window.

• They can only enter if they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge with your full name and address.

• If they only have an ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205), you do not have to let them in.

​

3. Do Not Consent to Entry or Searches

​

• Say clearly: “I do not consent to your entry or to any search.”

• If you’re outside your home, step back and keep your hands visible.

​

4. Use Your Right to Remain Silent

​​

• Say: “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

• Do not answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the country.

​

5. Show a Red Card or Know-Your-Rights Card

​

• Hold up a printed Red Card (from ILRC or ACLU) to a window or peephole. Do not open the door or hand anything over.

• These cards say that you are choosing to remain silent and want to speak to a lawyer.

• Keep a copy near your front door or carry one in your wallet.

• Children’s Network of Solano County offers free Red Cards. If you'd like to pick some up, please call or email us first to arrange a time to stop by.

• You can also download and print your own, available in multiple languages from ILRC.org/red-cards.

​

6. Record Information (If It’s Safe)

​

• Write down officer names, badge numbers, what agency they’re from, and license plates.

• Note the time, date, and location of the encounter.

• Why it matters:

  • This information can help your lawyer challenge the stop or arrest.

  • It’s also critical for alerting other community members and support networks so they can stay informed and safe.

  • Sharing patterns of enforcement helps immigrant rights organizations respond and take action.

​

7. Do Not Sign Anything

​

• Do not sign any documents, including voluntary departure forms, without first speaking to an immigration attorney.

​

8. Contact a Lawyer or Rapid-Response Hotline

​

• Call your immigration lawyer immediately.

• If you don’t have one, contact a local legal aid hotline or rapid response network.

​

9. Notify a Trusted Contact

​

• Let a friend or family member know what happened and where you are.

• Share the officer info you recorded and what they said or did.

• The Family Preparedness Toolkit includes space to list emergency contacts and notes for this exact purpose. Keep it updated and easy to access.

​

10. Report Rights Violations​

​

• You can report civil rights violations to organizations like the ACLU or Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights.

​​

​

Content adapted by Children’s Network of Solano County from trusted legal and advocacy organizations including:

​

• ACLU – Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Red Cards & Resources

• National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

• United We Dream – ICE Raid Preparedness

• Centro Legal de la Raza – Rapid Response Resources