If immigration officers reach out to you, whether they knock on your door, stop you on the street, or approach you at work, the experience can feel intimidating. In that moment, it’s important to know that you still have rights under the law. By understanding those rights and preparing ahead of time, you can protect yourself and your family. In this guide, we will walk you through clear steps to take if ICE contacts you in Florida, along with local resources that can provide immediate support.
Step-By-Step Guidance If ICE Contacts You
1) Stay calm, do not open the door, and ask if they have a warrant.
You do not have to let officers into your home unless they show a warrant signed by a judge. ICE “administrative” warrants, such as Forms I-200 or I-205, do not give officers the power to enter your home without your consent. You can ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window. If it is not signed by a judge, you can say, “I do not consent to entry.”
2) Use your right to remain silent.
You can tell the officer, “I choose to remain silent.” You do not have to answer questions about your birthplace, immigration status, or how you entered the country. If you are detained, keep asserting your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
3) Ask for a lawyer and do not sign anything.
Say clearly, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” You have the right to a lawyer, but the government does not provide one in immigration cases. You must arrange or request help from legal aid. Do not sign papers or accept any agreement before you talk to an attorney, since forms can include a “voluntary return” or a removal order.
4) Do not lie or present false documents.
Sharing false information can make things worse. If you have identification, show it only if you choose to, and only if it is valid.
5) Contact a trusted person and create a quick record.
Call a family member or friend and let them know what is happening. If safe, write down the officers’ names, badge numbers, and where the contact happened. If you are taken into custody, your family can try to locate you and check court information using the tools listed below.
At Home, at Work, or in Public: What Changes
Here are some key differences depending on where the contact happens:
- At home: keep the door closed, ask for the warrant, and check for a judge’s signature. Say you do not consent to entry if there is no judicial warrant.
- At work: employers control access to non-public areas. If agents are in a public lobby, you still have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- In public or in a vehicle: you can ask, “Am I free to leave?” If the answer is yes, walk away calmly. If you are detained, remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
Florida Resources You Can Use Right Away
If you are contacted by ICE, you can reach out to these organizations and tools for immediate help in Florida:
- Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) Hotline: 1-888-600-5762. Community support, know-your-rights materials, and referrals across Florida. (Florida Immigrant Coalition)
- Americans for Immigrant Justice (Miami): 305-573-1106. Nonprofit attorneys assisting immigrants, with intake during business hours. (aijustice.org)
- Catholic Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami: 305-373-1073. Low-cost and pro bono help for many immigration matters. (cclsmiami.org)
- ACLU of Florida: Know-Your-Rights hub. Guides for interactions with immigration and local law enforcement. (ACLU of Florida)
- Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011. If you need a private attorney quickly, call for a referral in your area. (The Florida Bar)
- Find someone in ICE custody: use the ICE Online Detainee Locator to search by name, country of birth, date of birth, or A-number. (Detainee Locator System)
- Check immigration court case details: use the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Automated Case Information online portal or the 800-898-7180 hotline to see hearing dates and case status. (ACIS)
Make a Family Plan Today
A little preparation can spare your family stress if there is a sudden contact with ICE. We suggest you:
- Keep a small card in your wallet with the sentence, “I choose to remain silent and I want to speak to a lawyer.”
- Share key phone numbers with a trusted person, including your attorney and a backup contact.
- Keep copies of important documents in a safe place, and share locations with a family member.
- Decide who will pick up children from school and manage rent or bills if you cannot.
How Central Justice Can Help
If ICE has contacted you or a loved one, contact Central Justice. We will review what happened, protect your rights, and guide you through the next steps in Florida courts and immigration agencies. We can also help your family check detention status and court dates, and we will prepare the paperwork you need.
You are not alone in this process. With the right support, you can face immigration challenges with confidence and protect your future here in Florida.
