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Know Your Rights

If ICE Pulls You Over

Stay calm, know your rights, and protect yourself during a traffic stop.

  • Step 01

    Always pull over

    Pull over when any law enforcement signals you to stop, even if you do not think you did anything wrong.

  • Step 02

    Identify the officers

    Questions to Ask

    • Are you police?
    • Are you highway patrol?
    • Are you immigration?
    • Why did you stop me?

    Warning

    ICE uses unmarked vehicles and may wear plain clothes or vests labeled “POLICE” without identifying themselves as immigration.

  • Step 03

    During the stop

    Caution

    Your window

    Roll down your window slightly when asked.

    Before anything else, ask:
    • Am I free to go?
    • Who are you?
    • Why did you stop me?
    • Do you have a warrant?

    Drivers must provide:

    • Driver’s license.
    • Registration and proof of insurance.

    Passengers

    • Cannot be forced to show ID.
    • Cannot be forced to give name, address, legal status or place of birth.
    Request officer identification before presenting any documents.
    Do not lie or give false documents.

    For all occupants:

    • Decline to discuss immigration status or criminal history.
  • Step 04

    Physical compliance and searches

    Critical

    Exiting the vehicle

    Officer may order you to get out for “officer safety.” This order often precedes arrest.

    Before moving, ask:

    • Am I free to go?
    • Who are you?
    • Why did you stop me?

    Search limitations

    ICE needs a judicial warrant or your consent to search:

    • Your body (beyond a pat-down).
    • The inside of your vehicle.
    • Glove compartment or trunk.

    Fingerprint collection

    ICE can take fingerprints only when:

    • Officers suspect immigration violations.
    • You are under arrest.

    If requested without a clear cause:

    • Ask: “Why am I being fingerprinted?”
    • Say: “I do not consent to fingerprinting.”

    Do not physically resist. Verbal objection may protect your legal rights.