NO Warrant, NO Access You do NOT have to answer the door. You the right to ask the agent (through the closed door) if he has a warrant. If the agent says he has a warrant, ask him to slide it under you door or show it through a window.
Check if the warrant: (i) is signed by a judge or supervisor; (ii) has your name on it, and (iii) has a recent date.
Remain Silent You have the right to remain silent! You can show you 'Know Your Rights' card. Remain calm!
DON'T Sign Do NOT sign any documents. Tell the agents you won't sign anything until you talk with a lawyer.
WRITE DOWN Information If agents force their way in your home: take down their names, agent numbers, and license plate numbers of their vehicles.
If Detained Don't sign any documents without legal counsel. You have the right to make a call. Call a family member or lawyer to tell them where you are located. You will not have access to your cellphone, memorize important phone numbers.
PREPARE an Emergency Plan Always carry with you your 'Know Your Rights' Card. Carefully choose a responsible adult that can take care of your children and help you during an emergency. Keep all you important documents in a safe and secure place.
REPORT IT! Call the Family Support Hotline! In order to organize and take effective action, we need our community to report these incidents. Your information will be kept confidential.
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. (2017). Family support network and hotline. ICIRR website. Retrieved from http://www.icirr.org/our-work/details/1/family-support-network-and-hotline.