All too often, the media is full of reports of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents knocking at doors in order to locate and detain individuals who are suspected of having no legal immigration status. As a result of the current political opinion of many toward immigration, and the Trump administration’s drastically increased enforcement efforts, individuals who fear that ICE may knock on their doors next need to know their legal rights if they end up in this situation. If ICE agents knock on your door, you should not open the door. Keeping the door closed, you should ask if they are ICE agents and why they are at your door. If you do not speak the language spoken by the ICE agents, ask for an interpreter. If ICE agents want to come into your residence, ask if they have a valid warrant to enter that is signed by a judge. It is not enough for them to have an administrative warrant of removal issued by immigration authorities. You have the right to refuse ICE entry into your residence unless they have a valid legal warrant, signed by a judge, not one signed by an ICE agent or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official. Ask them to slip the warrant under the door, if they have one. Remember, the warrant must be signed by a judge, naming a person who is in your residence and/or for areas that ICE can search at your address. In the event that ICE agents enter your residence, regardless of your consent, do not attempt to resist in any way. Instead, state that you and everyone in your residence are exercising the right to remain silent. Do not lie or provide false documents to the ICE agents. Do not speak or sign any documents without first speaking with a lawyer. It is our goal to provide you both with the legal representation that you need, as well as practical tips for living in the United States. No matter your situation or what your needs may be, we devote all of our efforts to advocating on behalf of you and your family before the immigration court. Don’t hesitate to contact the Bay Area immigration lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., and set up your legal consultation today. We are here to help.
