Is The Warrant Issued by A Court?

If the valid warrant looks like it was issued by ICE but not a court, you have the right not to let the officer enter your house. If the warrant authorizes your arrest but not a search of your house, you may want to go outside to meet the officers but not let them in the house. This is especially important if you live with other people who might have immigration problems, because once you allow the officer into your house, he can ask questions of anyone else who is there, too. If you do talk to the officer (again, outside your house — do not let him in), do not answer any questions. Do not sign any papers. Tell the officer you want to talk to a lawyer before you say anything. Do not provide any kind of identification documents that say what country you are from. Make sure not to carry any false documents with you at any time.

Another way an immigration officer can enter your home legally (besides if he has a valid warrant) is if you give the officer permission to enter. This is called giving the officer your “consent” to enter your home. If you open your door, or if the officer asks if he can come in and you say “yes,” you are probably consenting to his entering your home. The best thing to do is to keep the door closed and ask the officer to identify himself. Then ask to see a warrant. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR IF HE CANNOT SHOW YOU A WARRANT. An officer is NOT ALLOWED to force you to consent to his entering your home.