Know Your Rights if Confronted by ICE

A recent article from the Houston Chronicle sheds light on the growing concern over immigration enforcement and what individuals should know if approached by ICE agents.

The article recounts the troubling experience of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student who was confronted by masked individuals who later identified themselves as law enforcement. She was detained and transferred to an ICE detention center in Louisiana after participating in a Palestinian protest—a situation that has become more common amid increased deportation efforts.

Though high-profile student arrests have not yet surfaced in the Houston region under the second Trump administration, a viral video from a Spring, Texas raid showed unmarked vehicles and officers refusing to identify themselves. This only reinforces the importance of knowing your rights during these encounters.

Key Legal Rights to Remember:

🔹 Ask for a Warrant
According to immigration attorney Gabe Perez, ICE agents must have a warrant signed by an immigration judge to legally enter your home or make an arrest. You are within your rights to ask to see the warrant and verify that it includes your correct legal name and address. Do not open the door unless all of that information matches.

🔹 Administrative Warrants Are Not Enforceable
Be cautious—some ICE agents may attempt to act on administrative warrants, which do not authorize forced entry or arrest. If the warrant does not meet the requirements, you are not obligated to let them in or engage with them.

🔹 Call an Attorney Before Signing or Saying Anything
Even if the warrant checks out, you should avoid signing documents or answering questions until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Legal counsel can help protect your rights and ensure you are not being coerced or misled.

🔹 Use Red Cards for Protection
Several nonprofit immigration organizations offer “Red Cards” from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. These cards offer multilingual guidance on asserting your rights, including refusing entry, refusing to answer questions, and stating that you wish to remain silent and not consent to a search—all protected by the U.S. Constitution.

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How Zendeh Del & Associates PLLC Can Help

If you or someone you know is facing immigration issues, whether it’s an ICE encounter, visa concerns, detention, or deportation proceedings—Zendeh Del & Associates PLLC is here to help. Our experienced immigration attorneys in Galveston, Texas, are dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you through the complexities of immigration law with compassion and care.

Don’t face this alone. Contact Zendeh Del & Associates PLLC today for trusted legal support in your immigration case.

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