What to do if ICE approaches you in Texas: Know your rights

Department of Homeland Security Inspectors Stephen Day, left, and Marshall Caudle, keep an eye on a protest at a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Pflugerville on February 1, 2025.

Jay Janner/American-Statesman

As ICE raids continue escalating throughout the country, Texas has long been a hotspot for large-scale immigration operations and arrests. Although overall immigration growth has slowed in Austin, its welcoming culture and longtime status as a so-called sanctuary city have historically attracted immigrants.

In 2025 alone, the Lone Star State saw tens of thousands of immigrants without legal status arrested, according to federal data and media reports. While the Trump administration has shown no indication of slowing down these anti-immigrant procedures, here's what experts recommend for those at risk.

No. 1: Leave home with caution

Although you may encounter ICE agents anywhere, the risk of contact rises when you leave your home. Although federal policy has previously classified schools, churches and hospitals as protected areas, the Trump administration repealed this in 2025.

While it may not be realistic to avoid leaving your home, it’s important to stay vigilant when you do so. Immigration activists recommend that those without legal status be aware of any vehicles or people following them, and to know what to say if they are questioned.

Experts also suggest keeping a low profile and avoiding drawing attention to yourself, such as by speeding while driving or driving after consuming alcohol.

No. 2: Know your rights in the US

You still have rights protected by the Constitution as an immigrant without citizenship or legal status, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. They include the following:

• The right to remain silent — you don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status.
• The right to refuse entry — you don’t have to open your door to agents unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
• The right to an attorney — you can speak to a lawyer before answering questions or signing anything.
• The right to refuse searches — you don’t have to let agents search your body or home without a warrant or probable cause.

While you do have the right to remain silent, ICE agents who start making arrests can ask for names, home addresses, phone numbers and drivers' licenses or other IDs to verify identity. Individuals are required to provide that information.

Here are other tips experts at the National Immigrant Justice Center recommend if you're an immigrant without legal status and approached by ICE agents:

If ICE agents come to your door:

• Ask agents to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window, without opening the door.
• Verify the warrant has a judge's signature, your correct address and specific areas they are allowed to search. If the warrant is not valid or not judicially signed, do not let them inside. Tell children not to open the door for anyone.
• If approached, say, "I choose to remain silent" and ask for a lawyer immediately.

If ICE agents approach you in public:

• Stay calm and don't run.
• Ask if you are being detained or under arrest.
• If you're not under arrest, you can walk away.
• Do not lie or offer extra personal information.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deported Jose Gonzalez Carranza on April 8. Gonzalez had been granted a reprieve from deportation after his wife, Army Pfc. Barbara Vieyra, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. But ICE restarted deportation proceedings without explanation in 2018. He has since been allowed to return home to his 12-year-old daughter in Arizona who is a U.S. citizen. [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]

No. 3: Get your records in order

The Immigrant Defense Project advises individuals to write down the following information and carry it on their person at all times:

• Medical information, including contact information for your doctors and a list of medications you take, including names and dosages.
• Childcare information, including contact information for the school and a point of contact in case of detention.
• Legal information, including contact information for lawyers who have represented you or agreed to represent you.
• Contact information for loved ones.

You should not depend on having access to your phone for the above information.

The Project also suggests keeping original identity and personal documents in a safe place, though these don’t need to be carried around. Copies of these should be stored in a location where someone you trust can access them if you are detained. Also, gather documents related to immigration and criminal history:

• Immigration: any applications submitted to immigration or any documents showing your A# (alien number), if you have one.
• Criminal: certificates of disposition from courts and/or a rap sheet.

Other recommended actions include:

• keeping proof of residence, such as leases, utility bills and school records
• keeping copies or photos of documents showing long-time residence
• ensuring car registration, auto insurance and driver’s licenses are valid and up-to-date (if applicable)
• ensuring bank accounts can be accessed internationally
• designating a power of attorney — ideally someone with a legal status — to control bank accounts, take custody of children and sell or manage property, through a notarized letter
• sharing a plan with family so they know where keys and important documents are kept

Without notarized letters specifying legal guardianship, children whose parents are detained or deported may be placed into the state's foster care system, according to immigration advocates.

No. 4: Seek out resources

There are various legal and community resources available in Texas for immigrants without legal status.

• Immigration attorneys can give you legal advice before an ICE agent approaches you.
• Consulates and nonprofits can help connect you with legal support.
• "Know Your Rights" cards and flyers are available in multiple languages from advocacy groups.