The Most Important Rule
DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR unless you see a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
Your home has the highest level of Fourth Amendment protection. ICE administrative warrants (Form I-200 and I-205) do NOT authorize entry into your home.
Understanding Warrant Types
Administrative Warrants (ICE/DHS)
These are civil enforcement documents generated within DHS. They are NOT signed by a judge.
| Form | Name | What It Does | Home Entry? |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-200 | Warrant for Arrest of Alien | Authorizes arrest of person | NO |
| I-205 | Warrant of Removal/Deportation | Authorizes deportation | NO |
Key identifiers:
- Header says "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
- Signed by "Authorized Immigration Officer" (not a judge)
- Does NOT authorize entry into private homes
Judicial Warrants
These are criminal enforcement documents issued by a court and signed by a judge or magistrate.
Key identifiers:
- Header shows "United States District Court" or state court name
- Signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge, District Judge, or State Judge
- Cites specific criminal violations
- DOES authorize forced entry - compliance is mandatory
Visual Warrant Identification Guide
What To Do When ICE Knocks
Step 1: Do NOT Open the Door
Keep the door closed and locked. Speak through the door or use a peephole/camera.
Step 2: Ask Who They Are
Say: "Who are you? What agency are you with? Are you immigration?"
Step 3: Ask About a Warrant
Say: "Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?"
Step 4: Demand to See the Warrant
Say: "Please slide the warrant under the door or hold it flat against the window so I can read it."
Step 5: Identify the Warrant Type
Check the document for:
- Header: Does it say "DHS" or "U.S. District Court"?
- Signature: Is it signed by an immigration officer or a judge?
Step 6: Respond Appropriately
If it's an administrative warrant (I-200 or I-205):
"I have reviewed the document. This is an administrative warrant, not a judicial warrant signed by a judge. I do not consent to your entry. Please leave my property immediately."
If it's a judicial warrant signed by a judge:
You must comply. Do not resist. Exercise your right to remain silent.
Scripts for Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: ICE Claims to Be "Police"
ICE frequently uses deception, claiming to be local police or conducting a "wellness check."
Do NOT open the door. Say through the door:
"Who are you? What agency are you with? Are you immigration?"
Scenario 2: ICE Has an Administrative Warrant
After examining the document slipped under the door:
"This is an administrative warrant, not a judicial warrant signed by a judge. I do not consent to your entry. Please leave my property."
Scenario 3: ICE Tries to Enter Open Garage or Follows You Inside
If agents enter an open space or follow you:
"I do not consent to your presence on my property or in my home. You do not have permission to be here. I am exercising my constitutional right to remain silent. I want to speak to my attorney."
Scenario 4: ICE Forces Entry
If they enter despite your refusal:
- Stay calm. Do not run or resist.
- Say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with an attorney."
- Do not answer any questions.
- Do not sign anything.
If ICE Enters Your Home
Immediate Actions
- Stay calm - Do not run or physically resist
- Invoke your rights - Say: "I am exercising my constitutional right to remain silent. I wish to speak with an attorney."
- Remain silent - Do not answer questions about your name, birthplace, or immigration status
- Do NOT produce foreign documents - Do not show foreign passports or consular IDs
Protect Others
- Other adults: Remain silent, do not intervene physically
- Children: Calmly move them away from the arrest area
- If caregiver is detained: State clearly: "I have minor children present. I need time to arrange childcare."
Document Everything
If safe to do so:
- Record the encounter on your phone
- Note badge numbers, vehicle descriptions, agencies involved
- Photograph any damage after they leave
What NOT To Do
| Do NOT | Why |
|---|---|
| Open the door | Breaks the threshold protection, may imply consent |
| Sign any documents | May be waiving your rights to a hearing |
| Provide false information | Federal crime with severe penalties |
| Show foreign ID/passport | Helps ICE prove alienage |
| Run or resist physically | Creates exigent circumstances, risk of harm |
| Answer questions | Anything you say can be used against you |
| Reveal others' locations | Remain silent (but do not lie) |
The 2025 ICE Memo Warning
In May 2025, ICE issued an internal memo claiming authority to forcibly enter homes using only administrative warrants (Form I-205).
This is constitutionally unlawful but ICE agents are currently operating under this directive outside of California.
In California: The Kidd v. Mayorkas ruling (2024) specifically enjoins ICE from entering homes without judicial warrants.
Outside California: Be prepared for aggressive tactics. Document everything. Challenge the entry in immigration court through a motion to suppress.
Your Legal Remedies
Motion to Suppress Evidence
If ICE enters your home unlawfully (without consent, judicial warrant, or exigent circumstances), your attorney can file a motion to suppress all evidence from the entry.
If granted, evidence cannot be used against you, potentially resulting in termination of removal proceedings.
Filing Complaints
- DHS Office of Inspector General: 1-800-323-8603
- ICE Office of Professional Responsibility
- Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Emergency Contacts
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| National Immigration Hotline | 1-844-363-1423 |
| ACLU | aclu.org/know-your-rights |
| ILRC | ilrc.org |
| Local Rapid Response | [Check your state page] |