Know Your Rights: Encountering ICE

by Mary Louise Beardsley, a director of DFL SD 59

These are excerpts from an article in The Contrarian on Substack posted on June 11, 2025.

If you are pulled over by ICE in a traffic stop:

DO

1. Ask the officers for identification.

2. Ask why you are being stopped and whether you are free to go.

3. Roll down your window only a little and only if asked.

   
   

DO NOT

1. Answer questions about your place of birth.

2. Consent to a search of your car or body. ICE cannot search without an official warrant or consent.

3. Show any ID other than one issued by the U.S. government (a driver's license or passport). If ICE demands other identification, say that you do not consent.

   
   

If ICE comes to your home or business:

DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home.

ICE "warrants" are not signed by judges: they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and they do not grant permission to enter a home without the consent of the occupant(s).

If you think you see immigration officers:

Move to a safe indoor space.

If you are a U.S. citizen and feel safe to do so, record the encounter with your phone.

Do not get in the officer's way or otherwise put yourself in danger.

If you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status, what information should you give in an ICE encounter?

Show your passport

Legal permanent resident card

Work permit

Or other documentation of your status

If you are over the age of 18 you should carry your papers with you at all times.

If you are undocumented:

You have the right to remain silent.

Anything that you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.

We are indebted to the Immigrant Defense Project and the National Immigrant Justice Center for the above recommendations. See their websites for further rights resources and information, as well as the ACLU, the National Immigration Law Center, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

The opinions expressed in the SD59 Blog are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent a consensus of thought or position of the DFL.