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If You Encounter ICE Know Your Rights

All people in the United States, INCLUDING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, have Constitutional rights and protections. Neither immigration nor the police will assume you want to exercise your rights. You are in charge of asserting them by telling officers you are exercising your rights.

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WHAT TO DO IF ICE STOPS YOU AT CHURCH OR SCHOOL

Your church or school should have a plan in place in case of an ICE event. Educate yourself on the plan and follow their protocol. If your church or school does not have a plan nor have communicated one, urge them to adopt one and then communicate it to everyone within the institution. Communication of the plan is important. Information on plans for churches and schools can be found in the above left green tab labeled "For Workplaces".

If ICE (immigration officers) come to your church or school, they generally must have a search warrant or the consent of the institution to search non-public areas. If ICE approaches you, you have rights that protect you.

  • YOU SHOULD ASK IF YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE.
    If ICE approaches you at church or school, you may ask if you are free to leave.
    If the answer is 'YES': calmly, slowly, and quietly walk away. Do not run or speak.
    If they say 'NO': do not walk or run away. Stay where you are.
  • YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE A SEARCH.
    You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. State clearly that you do not consent. Refusing consent may not stop the officer. If the officer proceeds to search your person or your belongings. stay calm, do not resist the inspection, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. Stating your objection preserves your rights.
  • YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO SORT YOURSELF BASED ON IMMIGRATION STATUS.
    If officers tell you to form a line or sort yourselves based on immigration status, you have the right to stay where you are or move to a place that is not designated for a particular group of people. You can tell officers that you are invoking your right to remain silent. If you are forced to move, do not resist.
  • YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT.
    Indiana’s law states that you have to give your name to an officer if they ask (including ICE). Tell the officer you are exercising your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions without the presence of your legal representative. If you must speak, only say that you would like to speak to your legal representative before answering questions.
  • YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK TO A LAWYER.
    If the officer tells you that you cannot walk away, you have been detained. You should ask to speak to a lawyer and then remain silent. You have the right to speak to a legal representative. It is okay if you have not hired a legal representative; you still have the right to consult with one.

    • REMEMBER

    • Only provide your identification when the law requires you to do so.
    • Do not tell the officer your country of nationality.
    • Do not answer questions.
    • Do not sign paperwork.
    • Do not carry false documents.
    • Do not physically interfere with the search.

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