Sanctuary Locations
ICE has historically designated certain locations as "sensitive" and avoided enforcement actions there. While these policies can change, these places may offer protection:
Sensitive Locations
- Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other houses of worship
- Schools, including daycare centers and school bus stops
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Courthouses (during non-criminal proceedings)
- Public demonstrations and rallies
- Funeral homes and cemeteries during services
Warning
The sensitive locations policy is a guideline, not a law. It has been weakened under some administrations. Do not rely on it as your only protection. Always have a backup plan.
Sanctuary Cities and States
Some cities and states limit cooperation between local police and ICE. This means local police may not honor ICE detainer requests. Check whether your city or state has sanctuary policies. See our Resources page for links.
Your Rights Behind a Closed Door
The Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment protects everyone in the U.S. from unreasonable searches and seizures. Without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, ICE agents cannot legally enter your home.
You do not have to open the door. You do not have to answer questions. You can communicate through the closed door.
If They Force Entry
Do Not Resist Physically
If agents enter illegally, do not physically resist. State clearly: "I do not consent to this entry." Remember everything. An illegal entry may be challenged in court later. Your safety comes first.
Digital Privacy
Your phone contains your entire life: contacts, messages, location history, photos. Protect it.
Phone Lockdown Steps
- Use a strong passcode (6+ digits), not face or fingerprint unlock. Courts have ruled you can be compelled to use biometrics but not to reveal a passcode
- Enable full-disk encryption (on by default on modern iPhones and Androids)
- Turn off lock screen notifications for messaging apps
- Disable Siri/Google Assistant from the lock screen
- Set your phone to auto-lock after 30 seconds
- If you anticipate an encounter, power off your phone completely (this requires the passcode to unlock)
Encrypted Messaging
Use These Apps
- Signal — End-to-end encrypted messages, calls, and video. Enable disappearing messages. This is the gold standard.
- WhatsApp — End-to-end encrypted, widely used in immigrant communities. Enable disappearing messages and two-step verification.
Avoid regular SMS text messages for sensitive communications. They are not encrypted and can be obtained by law enforcement.
Social Media
Social Media Risks
- ICE monitors social media. Do not post about your immigration status, location, or plans
- Review your privacy settings on all platforms
- Remove location tags from posts and photos
- Consider making accounts private or deactivating them temporarily
- Do not check in at locations or share real-time whereabouts
Document Security
Protect Your Documents
- Make copies of all important documents (passport, birth certificate, ID, work permits, medical records)
- Store copies in at least two locations: a trusted person's home and a secure digital location
- Use a cloud service with two-factor authentication (Google Drive, iCloud) to store digital copies
- Give your trusted person a sealed envelope with originals or copies and instructions
- Keep originals in a secure place at home, but not where they could be easily found during a search