What to Do if ICE Detains You as a Naturalized Citizen: Complete Guide to Protect Your Rights in the United States
Learn what to do if ICE detains you, which documents to present, and how to protect your family and your legal rights.
Posted on 11/11/2025 at 16:15
- What to Do if ICE Detains You
- Don’t Sign Anything Without a Lawyer
- Prepare a Family Emergency Plan
Being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can be one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face—even for U.S. citizens or people with legal status.
Many assume that being naturalized or a permanent resident fully protects them, but mistakes during operations or lack of documentation can still lead to wrongful detentions.
That’s why knowing your constitutional rights and the basic steps of self-protection is crucial to prevent abuse and stay calm during any encounter with law enforcement.
This guide summarizes the most important actions citizens and immigrants should take during a detention, home visit, or workplace raid.
Know How to Protect Your Legal Rights
Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, is protected under the Constitution.
You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about your birthplace, nationality, or legal status.
You may also like: Phrases That Can Stop an ICE Arrest in the United States
If approached by an agent, you can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent and wish to speak to an attorney.”
Never lie or provide false documents; doing so can worsen your situation and weaken any future legal defense.
What to Do During an Immigration Stop or Raid Based on Your Immigration Status
If you are a permanent resident, refugee, or have a valid visa, always carry identification or a copy of your documents.
If detained, present them calmly—do not argue or resist.
If you have a pending case (such as asylum, appeal, or status adjustment), keep and show the supporting documents when asked.
For those without valid status but who have lived in the U.S. for over two years, carrying proof of residence (lease agreements, bills, or postmarked letters) can help prevent expedited removal.
How to Act During a ICE Detention
If detained in public, at work, or on the street: stay calm. Do not run or resist, and avoid any physical or verbal confrontation.
Ask which agency the officers represent and record the encounter if possible—or ask someone nearby to do so.
You can ask: “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, leave calmly without argument.
If arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and do not sign any documents without a lawyer or certified interpreter present, according to the NYCLU.
If ICE Comes to Your Home
Do not open the door unless agents show a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
Administrative ICE warrants do not authorize entry into your home. Ask them to slide the document under the door so you can verify it.
If the warrant isn’t valid, tell them to leave. Keep your door closed and make sure minors know not to open it.
If agents force entry, do not resist. Firmly state: “I do not consent to your entry, and I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
Protecting Your Family and Preparing Ahead
Create an emergency plan with trusted contacts and the phone numbers of immigration attorneys or legal aid lines.
Make sure your children’s school has a designated person authorized to pick them up or make medical decisions if you are detained.
Store copies of important documents—birth certificates, IDs, and proof of address—in a secure location.
Inform your family how to find you using the ICE detainee locator (locator.ice.gov) and write down your A-number, which appears on most immigration documents, according to the National Inmigration Law Center.
Legal Assistance and Deportation Defense
You have the right to an attorney, although the government will not provide one for free.
Seek free or low-cost legal aid from accredited organizations such as the Immigration Advocates Network (immi.org) or the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC).
If ICE detains you, you may request a bond hearing before a judge and present evidence of community ties—such as employment or education.
If you fear returning to your country, clearly inform agents and request asylum or protection. Failure to do so could lead to deportation without a hearing.
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If You Are in Jail or Prison
Some detention centers cooperate with ICE to hold people beyond the legal limit. If you have completed your sentence but remain detained for more than 48 hours, contact a criminal or immigration attorney immediately.
Remember: you have the right to contact your consulate, which can assist you legally.
If questioned by an agent while in custody, exercise your right to remain silent and do not sign any papers without legal counsel.
Having clear information, staying calm, and acting wisely is what you have to do if ICE detains you to face any immigration situation safely and protect your rights, according to Inmigrant Justice.
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