What to do if…
police arrive at your home and you are unsure why

What to do now

1. Create a safer pause. If you feel in immediate danger, move away from the doorway and call 911. Otherwise, keep the door closed, speak calmly through it, and avoid sudden movements. If another person is home, ask them to observe quietly from a safe place and not to open the door or consent to entry or a search.

2. Ask who is there. Through the closed door, ask for:

   • each officer’s name and badge number
   • the agency they work for
   • the reason they are asking to speak with you

   If you are unsure whether the visitors are genuine officers, use an independently found official agency main or non-emergency number to check. Do not rely only on a phone number supplied at the door. Call 911 if there is immediate danger or a suspected impersonation threat.

3. Ask what authority they say they have. Ask:

   • “Do you have a search warrant, an arrest warrant, or another reason you say you can enter?”

   If they say they have paperwork, ask them to slide a copy under the door or hold it where you can read it through a window or peephole. Without opening the door, look for the issuing court, the address or named person, the signature of a judge or magistrate judge, and what the paperwork says it authorizes. You do not need to settle whether the paperwork is legally valid at the doorway.

4. If they do not show paperwork, decline consent and keep the conversation brief. Not seeing paperwork does not guarantee that officers will not enter. They may claim another legal basis. You can say:

   • “I do not consent to you entering or searching my home.”
   • “I do not want to answer questions.”
   • “I want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.”

   Do not physically block entry if officers say they are entering anyway.

5. If officers say they are entering, do not physically interfere. This applies if they show paperwork or say they have another legal basis. You can repeat:

   • “I do not consent to this entry or search.”

   From a safe place, observe what happens if you are allowed to do so. Ask for a copy of any paperwork and any receipt or inventory they provide. Write down what areas were entered and what was taken as soon as you can.

6. If officers ask you to step outside, ask one question before moving. Ask through the closed door:

   • “Am I free to decline?”

   If they say you can decline, you can remain inside. If they order you to come outside or say you are detained, comply safely, avoid sudden movements, and do not start explaining.

7. If you are detained or arrested, use two clear sentences.

   • “I am going to remain silent.”
   • “I want a lawyer.”

   Provide basic identifying information only if it is legally required. Do not lie or provide false information. Mention urgent medical needs and any children or dependents who need immediate arrangements.

8. If the visitors say they are immigration officers or ICE, keep the door closed. Ask to see a judicial warrant signed by a judge or magistrate judge. An administrative immigration warrant is not the same as a judicial warrant and does not by itself authorize entry into a home. If you are unsure what you are being shown, do not debate at the doorway. State that you do not consent to entry, remain calm, and seek immigration legal help quickly.

9. Make a written record when it is safe. Note the time, agency, names, badge numbers, what was said, any paperwork shown, the areas entered, and anything taken. If you choose to record, do so only if it is safe, lawful in your state, and does not interfere with the officers.