How do you identify an ICE agent?

As part of the Trump administration’s recent efforts to deport thousands of immigrants, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have used deceptive tactics to make arrests. Many immigrants may have difficulty differentiating between ICE agents, local law enforcement, and even civilian “vigilantes” who may pretend to be part of the immigration authorities in order to detain foreign nationals. Because of this, knowing how to identify an ICE agent can be crucial to protecting migrants’ rights.

What does an ICE agent look like?

ICE agents do not always wear a standard uniform, making it difficult to identify them. However, there are certain signs that can help you determine if you are dealing with ICE:

Clothing and equipment

• ICE agents usually wear plain clothes or black bulletproof vests. These vests may have the word “POLICE” in large letters on the front or back, but this does not mean that they are local law enforcement officers.
• They may carry firearms, radios, handcuffs and other police instruments.

Identification badges

• ICE agents could wear official government-issued badges that identify them as part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• Anyone has the right to ask them for their badge and official identification. If they refuse to show their identification, it is a red flag.

Vehicles

• ICE agents often use unmarked cars instead of regular police vehicles.
• Unlike local police vehicles, their cars are not required to have sirens, emergency lights or clear law enforcement insignia.

Documentation

• If ICE agents claim to have a warrant, the person has the right to ask to see it. A valid warrant must be signed by a judge, not just an ICE officer.
• If they refuse to show a warrant or insist on verbal authority, the person has the right not to open the door or accede to their requests.

Common tactics used by ICE

Various reports indicate that ICE agents may use deceptive methods to gain access to homes and arrest individuals. Some of these tactics include:

Impersonating local law enforcement

• ICE agents sometimes pose as “police” or “parole officers” to gain people’s trust.
• They may claim they are investigating a crime or verifying someone’s residency.

Deception to lure people outdoors.

• They may say there is a problem with a person’s vehicle or that they have papers for you to sign.
• They may call from an unknown number and speak in the native language of a citizen they want to arrest to create trust.

Refusal to produce documents

• ICE agents may claim they have a legal right to enter a home, but refuse to show a warrant, which is false.
• They may ask a person to open the door just to “talk” or “confirm” something.

What a person can do if ICE knocks on their door

If someone suspects that ICE agents are in their home or questioning someone in their community, they have the following rights:

Verify their identity

• Anyone can ask them to identify themselves and ask what agency they work for.
• They may also ask them to show their badge and any documentation they carry.

Do not open the door

• Unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge, the person is not required to let them in.
• They may ask the agents to pass the warrant under the door so that it can be checked.

Documenting the encounter

• Individuals can write down the names of the officers, their badge numbers, and any other identifying information.
• They can also record the interaction using their phone or a camera if it is safe to do so.

Reporting the incident

• The individual can contact a local immigrant rights advocacy organization or legal aid group.
• They can use resources such as the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) Mobile Justice app to report and document encounters.
• They can share the details with their community to help prevent others from falling victim to deceptive tactics.

Migrant rights

Regardless of their immigration status, individuals have rights under U.S. law:

• They do not have to answer any questions about their immigration status.
• They have the right to remain silent.
• They have the right to speak to an attorney before providing any information.
• In case of detention, they may ask to see an attorney immediately.

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