Immigration enforcement operations are happening more frequently across the country, and they can happen anywhere—at your home, your workplace, or during a routine traffic stop. If you or someone you love is detained, the decisions made in the first few hours can determine everything. This guide contains critical information that could protect your family: what to do if ICE comes to your door, how to locate a detained loved one, and the three things you must never do during an encounter with immigration enforcement. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Read this now, share it with your family, and if you’re a client, keep our emergency number where you can find it.
What to Do If a Loved One Is Detained?
1. Stay Calm and Gather Information
When they call you from detention, ask for:
- A-Number (A#) – ICE provides this number upon arrest. If they don’t have it, contact your local ERO ICE office
- Key Information: Full name, Date of birth, Country of birth
Save this information immediately.
2. Confirm Their Detention
ICE Detainee Locator: locator.ice.gov
- You’ll need: Full name, Country of birth, A-Number
This system will tell you where the person is detained.
3. Protect Their Rights – Instruct Them IMMEDIATELY
Tell them NOT to sign ANYTHING:
- Don’t sign deportation forms
- Don’t sign voluntary departure
- Don’t sign anything without speaking to an attorney
They have the right to remain silent:
- They don’t have to answer questions about their status
- They can refuse to speak without an attorney present
They have the right to an attorney:
- The immigration court system does not guarantee a free attorney
- We can conduct consultations with detained individuals
- Special pricing for client referrals
4. Contact Legal Help IMMEDIATELY
We have an emergency line that is exclusive for detained clients. Call our office if you’d like to schedule a consult: 571-583-0791.
Don’t wait. Every day counts.
5. Communication and Visits
Find the detention center: ice.gov/detention-facilities
Once you locate your loved one:
- Call the center for information about calls and visits
- Ask how to send money for basic necessities
- Ask about visiting hours
Know Your Rights If You Encounter ICE
At Your Home
❌ You do NOT have to open the door
- ICE needs a warrant signed by a judge to enter
- Ask them to slide the warrant under the door
- Look at it through a window
- If they don’t have a judge’s warrant, they CANNOT enter
✅ You have the right to:
- Remain silent
- Speak to an attorney
- Refuse to let them search your home
On the Street or in Public Spaces
Ask: “Am I being detained or arrested?”
- If they say NO → Ask: “Am I free to leave?”
- If they say YES → Walk away calmly
- If they arrest you → Ask to call your attorney and remember you have the right to remain silent
Your rights:
- Right to remain silent (some states require you to give your name)
- Right to refuse to be searched (except pat-down for weapons)
- You don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status
If You’re Pulled Over While Driving
You must provide: Driver’s license, Vehicle registration, Proof of insurance
You do NOT have to answer:
- Questions about your immigration status
- Questions about where you were born
- Permission to search the car (without probable cause)
GOLDEN RULE
DON’T SIGN ANYTHING. ASK FOR A LAWYER. REMAIN SILENT.
Call immediately: 571-583-0791
Or if you’re a client and you are detained, call our emergency hotline for detained individuals.