When ICE Targets Citizens: Know Your Rights & Protect Your Community

If you are a U.S. citizen, you cannot legally be deported by ICE. But mistakes, profiling, and intimidation happen. Being informed, prepared, and connected can make all the difference.

Across the country, stories are surfacing of U.S. citizens—many of them Hispanic—being mistakenly detained by ICE.  Multiple U.S. citizens—some veterans, some elderly, and others simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—have found themselves detained by federal immigration authorities. 

• One stark example is George Retes, a U.S. Army veteran, who says he was detained for three days by ICE agents despite showing identification and insisting on his citizenship.  

• In Florida, 18-year-old Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio (a U.S. citizen) was driving to his landscaping job in North Palm Beach with his mother and two colleagues when Florida Highway Patrol pulled them over.  When Border Patrol officers arrived, the encounter escalated. Laynez identifies himself as an American (born and raised in the U.S.), but the officers tell him, “You’ve got no rights here. You’re an amigo, brother,” disregarding his citizenship.   After the arrests, in the debrief, officers are heard joking and laughing about the use of force, saying “you can smell that … $30,000 bonus.” 

  
  

• In Los Angeles, Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a 79-year-old naturalized citizen and car wash owner, alleges he was body-slammed by masked ICE agents during a raid, held for 12 hours, and released without charges. 

• In Arizona earlier this year, Jose Hermosillo, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen, was held for nearly 10 days by Border Patrol—his detention was later dismissed after his family presented proof of citizenship. 

These cases reveal the risks of profiling, confusion, and the lack of accountability in ICE enforcement. Even though U.S. citizens cannot be deported, wrongful detentions do happen, and they can last hours, days, or even weeks before status is confirmed.

This guide outlines practical steps, legal rights, and trusted resources for anyone who may feel targeted, as well as for families and allies who want to be prepared.

🛡️ Key Rights You Should Assert

Even if detained, U.S. citizens have strong legal protections:

• ICE cannot deport citizens. Detentions are supposed to end once citizenship is verified, though mistakes happen (Congressional letter).

• You are protected against unlawful searches and seizures. ICE needs a judge-signed warrant to enter your home. (Immigrant Justice)

• You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. You do not need to answer questions about birthplace or immigration status.

• You are guaranteed due process. If ICE refuses to release you, a lawyer can file for habeas corpus to challenge your detention. (Immigrant Justice)

• You have rights to medical care and fair treatment in detention. Violations can be reported or used in court. (Freedom for Immigrants Toolkit)

✅ What to Do Before and During an ICE Encounter

Prepare in advance

• Carry a “Know Your Rights” card with simple phrases like “I remain silent” or “I want a lawyer.” Templates are available in the Rapid Response Toolkit (PDF).

• Share emergency contacts with family and friends, including a lawyer if possible.

• Store secure copies (digital and physical) of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or other proof of citizenship.

If ICE approaches you

• Stay calm. Do not run or resist.

• Ask: “Am I under arrest or detained? Am I free to leave?”

• Show proof of citizenship if you feel safe doing so, but do not volunteer extra details.

• Invoke your rights clearly: “I remain silent. I want a lawyer.” (Immigrant Justice)

• Never sign documents you don’t understand—some forms are “voluntary” deportation papers.

• At home, do not let ICE in unless they show a judicial warrant signed by a judge, not just an ICE agent. (Immigrant Defense Project)

If you or someone you love is detained

• Write down the detainee’s full name, A-number (if given), facility name, and booking number.

• Contact an immigration attorney immediately. Many nonprofit networks provide free or low-cost legal help.

• Document everything: dates, officer names, medical issues, denied requests, or mistreatment.

• Public attention matters—call local elected officials, community groups, or the press.

📚 Trusted Resources & Toolkits

• Rapid Response Toolkit (American Families United) – step-by-step checklists and templates.

• We Have Rights – multilingual videos and guides.

• Immigrant Justice: What to Do If Detained – legal steps for families.

• Immigrant Defense Project – flyers and infographics.

• ILRC Know Your Rights – Spanish/English flyers.

• Freedom for Immigrants Toolkit – how to locate detained individuals.