Surviving ICE: A Guide to Resistance and Preparedness
FEATURED ARTICLES
9/15/20253 min read
By Maurice Woodson
In America, agencies are often cloaked in the language of safety and order. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency—better known as ICE—is no exception. Beneath its bureaucratic title lies a paramilitary force designed not to protect, but to intimidate, divide, and terrorize. Under Donald Trump, ICE was weaponized beyond immigration enforcement—it became a political tool of fear.
And it wasn’t just directed at Mexican or Hispanic immigrants. Black, Caribbean, African, Asian immigrants, along with American citizens and green card holders of color, were swept into its net. The message was clear: if you don’t fit a narrow definition of “American white,” you are a target.
Trump’s language made this explicit—calling immigrants “animals,” speaking of “invasions,” and demanding “roundups.” These words gave ICE license to act like an occupying army: raiding homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods with military-style force. Families were torn apart, citizens harassed, and communities left in fear.
But survival is possible. And survival is resistance.
What You Need to Know About ICE
ICE is not just about undocumented immigrants. Citizens and legal residents of color have been profiled, harassed, and even detained.
ICE does not always follow the law. Agents have been documented using intimidation and unlawful searches.
Raids look and feel like military operations. Dawn knockdowns, tactical gear, and armed intimidation are standard practice.
No one is 100% safe. Even if your citizenship dates back centuries, racial profiling puts you at risk.
What to Do if ICE Confronts You
Stay calm, don’t run. Running or resisting physically can escalate the situation.
Do not open the door. ICE cannot legally enter without a signed warrant from a judge (not just an ICE administrative warrant). Ask them to slip it under the door.
Know your rights. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your birthplace, immigration status, or how you entered the country.
Do not sign anything. Without a lawyer present, signing papers could mean signing away your rights.
Record everything. If safe, take photos, video, or audio. Document badge numbers, names, and details.
Demand a lawyer. You have the right to legal counsel, even if ICE tells you otherwise.
What to Carry With You
Always carry:
Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, work authorization).
Social Security card or copy.
A “Know Your Rights” card you can hand to ICE if questioned.
Also make sure:
A trusted family member or friend has copies of all documents.
You’ve memorized important phone numbers in case your phone is taken.
You’ve identified an emergency contact who can advocate for you immediately.
Preparing for the Worst
Create a family plan. Decide in advance who will take care of children, elders, or dependents if you are detained.
Emergency contact list. Lawyers, community organizers, family, and friends should all be in one place.
Community defense. Connect with local immigrant rights groups. Collective visibility is a form of protection.
Stay informed. Laws, policies, and tactics shift—know your local advocacy groups and resources.
Resources: Who to Call, Where to Turn
Hotlines & Legal Aid
Immigration Justice Hotline (1-844-955-3425) – Free legal help and rapid response.
National Immigration Detention Hotline (1-385-212-4842) – Connects detainees with advocates.
United We Dream (1-844-363-1423) – Know Your Rights support line.
Organizations & Networks
ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project – Legal defense against unlawful raids.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – Policy, resources, and legal guides.
Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) – Specializes in protecting immigrants from deportation.
UndocuBlack Network – Focused on Black immigrants facing ICE violence.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) – Legal advocacy for Asian immigrants.
Know Your Rights Materials
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Free downloadable “Know Your Rights” cards.
Surviving ICE (available on Amazon) – In-depth guide with real-life strategies and protections.
Knowledge is Power, Preparation is Protection
ICE thrives on fear, chaos, and silence. But when you know your rights, prepare your documents, and build a plan, you take away much of their power.
Surviving ICE is not just about surviving a raid—it’s about refusing to let fear strip you of your dignity, humanity, and future.
For more detailed strategies, real-life accounts, and resources, see For full strategies and real-life guides: Surviving ICE (Amazon).
Pocket Survival Card: Know Your Rights with ICE
If ICE Knocks on Your Door
Do not open the door. ICE cannot enter without a judge-signed warrant.
Ask them to slip the warrant under the door.
Say: “I do not consent to your entry.”
If ICE Stops You in Public
You have the right to remain silent.
You don’t have to answer where you were born or your immigration status.
Hand them a Know Your Rights card if needed.
If ICE Tries to Detain You
Do not sign anything without a lawyer.
Demand to call your lawyer: “I want to speak to my attorney.”
Write down or record names, badge numbers, and details if possible.
Always Carry
Proof of status (passport, green card, or work permit).
Social Security card or copy.
Memorized phone numbers for family and lawyer.
Family & Emergency Prep
Keep copies of documents with a trusted person.
Have a family plan for children, elders, or dependents.
Know your local immigrant support hotline.
Remember:
ICE relies on fear and confusion. Staying calm, silent, and informed is your strongest defense.
For full strategies and real-life guides: Surviving ICE (Amazon).
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