27 Jan Know Your Rights: ICE Warrants   

When faced with immigration enforcement, understanding the difference between judicial and administrative warrants is crucial to protecting your rights.  

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Judicial Warrants: 
• Signed by a judge or magistrate. 
• Require probable cause and specify the address, timeframe, and items or individuals involved. 
• Authorize entry into private property for searches or arrests. 
• Administrative Warrants (ICE Warrants): 
• Issued by immigration officers or agencies like ICE. 
• Not signed by a judge. 
• Do not grant ICE officials authority to enter private property without consent. 

What to Do if ICE Confronts You 

1. Do not open the door unless ICE presents a valid judicial warrant. 
2. Politely ask them to slide the warrant under the door for review. 
3. If it is an administrative warrant, state clearly that you do not consent to entry. 
4. Know that you have the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination. 

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Stay informed and prepared: 

• Keep a printed copy of the ACLU’s “Know Your Rights” guide: Know Your Rights Guide (https://www.aclunc.org/our-work/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-if-ice-confronts-you) 
• Familiarize yourself with key differences between warrant types: Motion Law Resource. (https://www.motionlaw.com/the-difference-between-judicial-and-administrative-warrants/) 
• Review ICE’s Warrant Fact Sheet: ICE Warrant Information. (https://projectsouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Warrant-Fact-Sheet.pdf) 

Understanding your rights empowers you to protect yourself and your loved ones. 
 

Khamoushian Law Group is here to provide guidance and support. Stay tuned and follow @laylaesq on Instagram.  

If you require immigration legal service, you can contact our office at (310) 278-0100.