If approached by ICE, remember that your right to remain silent is paramount—you are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or personal details. Avoid signing any documents without fully understanding their implications, as doing so might jeopardize your legal standing. Whether you are at home, work, or in a public place, insist on speaking with a lawyer immediately if you are detained or questioned. At your home, you are not obligated to open the door unless ICE presents a valid, judge-signed search warrant. In public or at work, you can ask if you are free to leave and are not required to consent to searches without proper authorization. Additionally, if you are a victim of a crime, be aware that you may qualify for special protections, such as U visas, T visas, or VAWA, and it is important to keep any related records and reports. Stay calm, assert your rights, and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
