I want to be ready if agents come to my door, work or car
Your rights, what to carry and how to report.
5 steps
Step 1 of 5: Learn your rights
You have rights whatever your papers say.
- Know Your RightsYou have rights, whatever your papers say. You can stay silent. You can keep your door closed. You can refuse to sign. Here is what to say and do at home, outside, in the car, at work, at school and at court, what to carry, and what to do if someone is arrested. Read it once now, while you are calm. Then practice.Guide
- What to say, door and street cardPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 5: Know the difference in warrants
Not every paper called a warrant lets agents into your home.
- ICE Warrant vs Judge's WarrantAgents are at the door and holding up a paper that says "warrant." That word alone does not mean they can come in. In about a minute you can tell who signed it and what it allows. Here is exactly what to look for, and what to do with what you find.Guide
- Red CardsA red card lets you use your rights without opening your door or saying a word. You pass it to the agent, and it tells them you are using your rights. The cards are free, and you can print them at home in many languages. Here's where to get them, how to use them and how to share them.Guide
- Warrant check: keep this by the doorPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 5: Know what to do where it happens
Pick the place that worries you most.
Do one of these:
- Street and Car StopsA stop can happen walking to the bus or driving to work. You have rights in that moment, whatever your papers say. Find out who stopped you, stay calm, stay silent about your status and ask if you are free to go. Here is what to say, what to show and what never to do.Guide
- ICE at WorkAgents at your job can bring panic in seconds. You still have rights at work, whatever your papers say. Stay calm, do not run, stay silent and sign nothing. California law also gives you notice rights, an emergency contact and protection from retaliation. Here is what to do before, during and after.Guide
Step 4 of 5: Report what you see
Rapid response networks can help families in the first hours.
- Report ICE ActivitySee immigration agents near your home, school or work? You are not alone. Call your county's rapid response line. A trained local team can check what is happening and help the people involved. Here's who to call in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, what to tell them and how to help safely.Guide
- Rapid response cardPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- Help lines: Immigration emergencyCall, text or chat with a service that answers now.Help now
- California Rapid Response Network hotlinesA directory of local rapid response hotlines across California to call if you see immigration enforcement activity, kept by the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice. It also links to a guide for families after someone is detained.Organization
- California Attorney General: know your immigration rightsThe California Attorney General's plain-language summary of immigrants' rights under state law, including housing, emergency care, the right to an attorney and limits on local police. It links to free legal help and complaint options.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
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