December 1, 2025
What Are My Rights During an ICE Raid in Michigan?
In communities across Michigan, countless families are living out their daily lives with the silent, ever-present fear that ICE might come looking for someone they love. Many worry that immigration agents could show up at their doors, workplaces, or during routine traffic stops. These fears are real, but so are your rights, and understanding how those rights apply during an ICE encounter can help you prepare, respond safely, and protect yourself.
Your Rights Under the Constitution
Everyone in the United States has constitutional protections, no matter their immigration status. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to ask for a lawyer. You do not have to open the door for ICE unless they present a warrant signed by a judge. You can refuse to sign any papers or answer any questions about where you were born or your status. These rights exist to protect you from unlawful searches and questioning. When you know and assert these rights, it can prevent costly mistakes and keep you safe during encounters with ICE agents.
What ICE Agents Can and Cannot Do
ICE agents cannot enter your home without permission or a warrant signed by a judge. Many ICE agents carry “administrative” warrants that look official but do not grant them the authority to enter. You can ask to see ICE warrants through a closed door. A valid judicial warrant will include a judge’s name, your name, and your correct address. If the warrant does not have these details, you do not need to open the door, and ICE cannot lawfully force entry without it. Agents may try to talk their way inside, but you have every right to stay silent and keep your door closed.
If ICE Comes to Your Home
If ICE agents come to your door, stay calm and keep the door closed. Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. Request that they slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can review it. Check that the name and address match and that a judge’s signature appears on it. If they do not have a valid warrant, you do not have to let them in. Tell everyone inside the home to remain silent throughout the conversation. Do not sign any papers or show any documents. You can record the encounter if you feel safe doing so. Your home is private and protected by law.
If You Are Stopped in Public or at Work
If ICE stops you in public or at work, stay calm and ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, walk away quietly. If you are not free to leave, remember that you have the right to remain silent. You can say, “I want to remain silent” or “I want to speak with a lawyer.” Do not lie, present false documents, or resist physically. You can refuse to consent to a search. If you are at work, your employer should ask to see a judicial warrant before allowing ICE to enter non-public areas.
If You Are Detained
ICE detentions can happen without warning, but you still have rights. If ICE detains you, you have the right to contact a lawyer and tell them where you are. You can also ask to speak with your consulate if you are not a US citizen. Stay silent until you speak with a lawyer. Do not sign any forms or agree to voluntary departure without legal advice. Keep the phone numbers of family members and a trusted lawyer written down in case your belongings are taken. A lawyer can help you fight removal, request bond, and challenge the legality of your detention.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
An immigration lawyer in Plymouth, Michigan, can protect your rights and guide you through the legal system after an ICE encounter or detention. If you or someone you know faces an ICE investigation or arrest, contact Stacer, PLC, for an initial consultation. Attorney Andrew Stacer can help you take steps to protect your freedom and your future.