What to Do If ICE Knocks at Your Door: Know Your Rights and Protect Your Mental Health
- Angelica Madrid
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
In times of fear, you deserve peace of mind. Learn how to stay grounded, supported, and emotionally safe—even if ICE is at the door.
For many immigrant families in the United States, the possibility of a visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a source of fear, stress, and emotional exhaustion. Whether it’s a rumor in your neighborhood or a knock at your door, knowing your rights and protecting your mental well-being is essential.
At Bodhi Counseling, we believe that knowledge is power, and emotional safety matters just as much as physical safety.
1. You Have the Right to Stay Silent
If ICE agents come to your home, you do not have to open the door unless they show a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide it under the door or show it through a window.
Do not answer questions about your immigration status or country of origin. You have the right to remain silent.
2. Ask to See a Warrant (and Check It Carefully)
A valid warrant must:
Be signed by a judge
Clearly state your name and address
Come from a U.S. District Court
Administrative warrants (forms I-200 or I-205) do not give ICE the right to enter your home without permission.
3. Protect Your Mental Health During and After the Event
Even a rumor or sighting of ICE can trigger anxiety, fear, or past trauma. Here are some ways to prepare emotionally and stay grounded:
Create a Safety Plan With Your Family in Advance
Having a plan in place can reduce panic and confusion if a stressful situation arises. A safety plan might include:
Agreeing on who will care for children or dependents if someone is detained.
Writing down important phone numbers (like an immigration lawyer, trusted friend, or community organization).
Making copies of important documents and storing them in a safe place.
Choosing a designated contact person who can notify others or provide updates.
In addition to creating a family safety plan, it’s also helpful to explore digital tools that can support you in moments of crisis. Technology can play a key role in ensuring that loved ones are informed and that legal help is accessed quickly when needed.
ICEBlock is an app designed to help people quickly notify trusted contacts and access legal resources during immigration enforcement encounters. It prioritizes user privacy and does not require accounts or store data, making it safer in urgent situations.
Note for Android users: While ICEBlock works well on Apple devices, the developers have not been able to ensure the same level of privacy on Android due to how push notifications work. Android users can still download the app, but it may come with privacy limitations. Read more here.
If you're an Android user, consider alternative ways to stay prepared, such as having emergency contact cards, memorizing key phone numbers, or using encrypted messaging platforms like Signal.
Talk to a Trusted Therapist or Counselor
Even if nothing has happened yet, just the fear of a possible ICE encounter can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Speaking with a licensed therapist can help you:
Work through anxiety or trauma
Build coping strategies
Gain clarity and feel more grounded
Many organizations offer sliding-scale or free mental health services, especially for immigrants and undocumented individuals.
Join a Support Group or Community Resource
Connecting with others who understand your experience can bring relief, strength, and practical help. Below are some local organizations you can turn to for guidance and support in times of immigration-related stress or emergencies.
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
To report suspected ICE sightings or to request assistance due to detention.
Call: 855-435-7693
The City of Champaign is a Certified Welcoming municipality, recognized for its strong commitment to immigrant inclusion. Through Welcoming America’s evaluation, it became the only city in Illinois with this distinction. The certification highlights policies and programs that support immigrant participation in civic, social, and economic life.
The Welcoming Center can provide you with information and connect you to services such as:
Basic Community Services
Education
Immigration and Legal Matters
Medicaid Application (Medical Card)
The Chicago CityKey ID application
Health
Food Assistance
Counseling
And more...
There are also supportive services for low-income and limited English-proficient individuals.
Serving refugees, immigrants, and migrant families since 1980.
The New American Welcome Center is dedicated to building a community where immigrants feel empowered to thrive and truly belong. Their community-focused programs include Immigrant Family Services, Immigration Legal Services, and Bridge-Building initiatives that foster connection and understanding across cultures.
Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana's purpose is to help immigrant families overcome their adversities and together build a future where their assets and talents fulfill their hopes and dreams.
4. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
If you're unsure about any document ICE gives you, do not sign it.
You have the right to ask for a lawyer—no matter your immigration status.
Here are some immigration legal services that may support you:
For over 25 years, The Immigration Project has offered legal and educational services to immigrants and refugees in downstate Illinois, working to ensure access to accurate immigration information and justice for underserved communities with dignity and respect.
You could also call or email to report observations or ICE activity, or if someone has been detained.
Call: 309-590-4525
Other legal services you should know about:
5. You Are Not Alone
Bodhi Counseling is here to walk with you. Whether you're dealing with fear, uncertainty, or trauma, your emotional safety matters. We believe in empowering our community through mental health care and support rooted in dignity and trust.
Let’s talk about how we can support you and your loved ones.
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