Why This Matters During times of heightened immigration enforcement, it's critical for individuals—regardless of immigration status—to know their constitutional rights and how to respond during encounters with ICE or law enforcement. Below you can find information about how to respond given different situations as well as information on immigration and legal aid.
🔹 1. Your Rights at Home
You do not have to open the door to ICE unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
You can ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window.
If they don't have a valid judicial warrant, you can refuse to let them in.
Stay calm and do not run.
Record the interaction if possible and take note of badge numbers and names.
🔹 2. Your Rights in Public
You have the right to remain silent.
You can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born.
Do not show false documents or lie.
🔹 3. If You’re Stopped in Your Car
You must show your driver’s license, registration, and insurance if requested.
You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
If ICE asks to search your car, say: “I do not consent to a search.”
🔹 4. If You Are Detained
You have the right to call an attorney.
You do not have to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
Ask for a list of free or low-cost legal services.
Prepare a family plan and keep important documents in a safe place.
🔹 5. Family Preparedness Plan
Designate a trusted emergency contact.
Make a plan for childcare, schooling, and housing.
California DOJ Office (Immigration Assistance) Provides statewide guidance and legal help on immigration matters. 📞 800‑952‑5225 https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant
Legal Aid Society of San Diego Provides free legal help on immigration, housing, and other civil legal issues. 📞 1‑877‑534‑2524 https://www.lassd.org/
San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) 24/7 hotline to report immigration raids, checkpoints, and arrests. 📞 619‑536‑0823 https://rapidresponsesd.org/
Casa Cornelia Law Center Offers free legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations, asylum seekers, and immigrant children. 📞 619‑231‑7788 https://casacornelia.org/
Al Otro Lado Provides cross-border legal and humanitarian aid to migrants, refugees, and deportees. 📞 619‑536‑8283 https://alotrolado.org/
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) Offers free deportation defense and representation for immigrants and asylum seekers. 📞 213‑634‑0999 https://www.immdef.org/
San Diego County Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) Helps immigrants and refugees adjust to life in San Diego by connecting them with essential resources and services. 📞 1‑866‑262‑9881 https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/OIRA.html
