Immigration Community Services

What should I do if ICE agents approach me on the street or in public?

When ICE agents arrest someone in public (or after stopping a car), it typically happens quickly. They may call your name out loud and ask you to confirm your name and then detain you.

• Before you say your name or anything else, ask, “AM I FREE TO GO?”
  • If they say YES: Say, “I don’t want to answer your questions” or “I’d rather not speak with you right now.” Walk away.
  • If they say NO: Use your right to remain silent! Say, “I want to use my right not to answer questions” and then “I want to speak to a lawyer.”
• If ICE starts to search inside your pockets or belongings, say, “I do not consent to a search.”
• DON’T LIE or show false documents. Don’t flee or resist arrest.
• Don’t answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born. They will use any information you provide against you. Do not hand over any foreign documents such as a passport, consular IDs, or expired visas.
• If you are in Criminal Court for a court date, ask to speak to your defender before they take you away.

If officers come to my home, will I know they are from ICE?

Not always! Beware: ICE agents often pretend to be police and say they want to talk to you about identity theft or an ongoing investigation.

Can ICE agents enter my home to arrest me?

If ICE agents do not have a warrant signed by a judge, they cannot enter the home without permission from an adult. Opening the door when they knock does not give them permission to enter your home.

So, what do I do if officers are at my door?

• Find out if they are from DHS or ICE.
• Try to stay calm. Be polite. Don’t lie. Say “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
• Politely ask to see a warrant signed by a judge and to slip it under the door. If they don’t have one, decline to let them in.
• If they are looking for someone else, ask them to leave contact information. You don’t have to tell them where to find the person and you should not

What can I do if ICE is inside my home to make an arrest?

• Tell them if there are children or other vulnerable residents at home.
• Ask them to step outside unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
• If they came inside without your permission, tell them “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.”
• If they start to search rooms or items in your home, tell them “I do not consent to your search.”
• If ICE is arresting you, tell them if you have medical issues or need to arrange for childcare.

What are my rights if I am being arrested by ICE?

• You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
• DO NOT LIE. It can only hurt you in the future.
• You do NOT have to share any information about where you were born, what your immigration status is, or your criminal record. Ask to speak to a lawyer instead of answering questions.
• You do NOT have to give them your consular documents or passport unless they have a warrant from a judge.
• You do not have to sign anything.

You can download the full flyer on what to do when approached by an ICE agent in English or Spanish below.

• Home Raid Community Flyer – English
• Home Raid Community Flyer – Spanish

Several Yolo County school districts offer immigration resources and services to help ensure the safety and well-being of you and your children. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that school-age children experience as little disruption as possible so they can focus on what truly matters—learning, growing, and simply being kids.

Explore the links below to learn more about the support available in your district and how to access these vital resources.

• • Washington Unified School District
  • Davis Joint Unified School District
  • Woodland Joint Unified School District

The Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan is a comprehensive guide designed to help immigrant families prepare for potential immigration-related emergencies, such as detention or deportation. It provides practical, easy-to-follow steps for families to ensure they are ready to navigate the legal system, protect their rights, and stay connected in times of crisis. For more information or to access the full preparedness plan, you can visit the ILRC website by clicking below.

• ILRC Family Preparedness Plan

The National Immigration Legal Services Directory is an online tool that helps immigrants find free or low-cost legal assistance from trusted organizations across the U.S. You can learn more by clicking here.

Additional Resources: 

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
• United We Dream
• CAIR California
• NorCal Resist

ACLU Know Your Rights: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides downloadable materials that educate immigrants on their rights when interacting with law enforcement, ICE, or other authorities. The resource is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of people.  For more details, visit https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s Community Resources Page offers a variety of downloadable tools designed to simplify immigration law for both experienced advocates and community members directly impacted by immigration issues.

Living in Limbo: A Guide to Understanding Your Rights, Benefits, and Obligations When You Have No Immigration Status. This comprehensive guide is designed to help individuals without immigration status understand their rights, access available benefits, and navigate legal obligations. It provides essential information on employment, healthcare, education, and protections against deportation.

Statement by the West Sacramento City Council Regarding Immigration Enforcement Provides information on frequently asked immigration questions as well as additional organizations offering immigration services.

Las familias deben estar preparadas para emergencias. Sin importar su estatus migratorio, es clave proteger a sus hijos, finanzas y patrimonio.

• Guía para su plan familiar
• Conoce y ejerce tus derechos
• Aplicación móvil “ConsulApp Contigo”

Recursos Adicionales:

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
• United We Dream
• CAIR California
• NorCal Resist
• Mapa de Avistamientos y Revisión de Datos