Since Donald Trump’s inauguration, many immigrants have fear that they or their families are going to be deported and torn apart by the government. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the federal law enforcement agency that enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration. Many have fear that ICE agents will knock on their door and take them away. If that ever occurs, here is what to do:

• Stay calm and remember that you also have rights.
• You are under no obligation to open the door at the beginning of the encounter, so DON’T open the door. If you were to open the door then the ICE agents can take you and you’ll have a higher possibility of getting deported so instead of opening the door, you can talk to the agents through the closed door.
• When you speak to the agents through the closed door, ask them what they’re there for, or what they need.
• If ICE wants to enter your house then ask them if they have a court warrant signed by a judge. If they do have a court warrant, ask them to slide it under the door and verify it. Make sure it was issued by a court and signed by a judge, if it was not signed by a judge or issued by a court then it is a false warrant. Also, check if the warrant has either your name or the name of whoever lives in that house.
• If they do not have that court warrant including your name or the name of another resident signed by a judge then they can’t enter your house.
• If they offer to show you the administrative removal order instead then don’t accept it because that is not enough.
• If ICE still wants to enter your household by force then say, “I’m not authorizing your entry and i’m exercising my right to remain silent. And I demand to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.” Remember that those around you also have the same right to remain silent.
• The most important thing is to not lie to the agents or produce false documents because it can be used against you.
• Most importantly is DO NOT sign any documents without talking to a lawyer first because there have been many cases where ICE has tricked immigrants into signing papers without thoroughly understanding what they’re signing.
• If you happen to open the door to ICE then remain silent. You are not obligated to give out your information to the agents If you want to, you should ONLY say your first name.
• Remember: don’t sign any documents without talking to a lawyer first.