Immigration Resources

SFGov.org Immigrant Services and Resources
official website helping immigrants connect to free legal help, public benefits and informational events

Rapid Response Hotline at 415-200-1548
Call if you see ICE agents OR need to help someone who has been detained

Call this hotline to connect people with immigration enforcement issues to legal assistance and support services. This number is only for someone who was just detained today in San Francisco. The Rapid Response hotline usually has just one person answering the phone. So if the line is busy, please call back.

Know Your Rights - If an ICE agent approaches you (from ACLU)

At home

  • Do NOT open your door. ICE can’t come into your home unless they have a signed search warrant or you let them in. If officers are at your door, ask them to pass the warrant under the door before you open it. An arrest warrant (or an administrative warrant of removal) is not enough to come inside you home. If ICE officers want to enter your home, they must have a valid judicial search warrant that says the officers have a right to enter or search that particular address or areas specified. If the agents don’t speak your language, ask for an interpreter.

  • Check out the warrant. Look at the top and at the signature line to see if it was issued by a court and signed by a judge. Only a court/judge warrant grants ICE permission to enter your premises. One issued by DHS or ICE and signed by a DHS or ICE employee does not. See our Know Your Rights resource on Immigration Enforcement and Warrants for more information.

  • Do NOT resist if ICE agents force their way in. Say “I do not consent to your entry,” but do not physically resist.

  • Tell them you want to speak to a lawyer. ICE can use anything you say against you in your immigration case, so claim your right to remain silent! Say, “I want to speak to a lawyer and choose to remain silent.”

  • Do NOT sign your name. Be careful what you sign. ICE might ask you to sign forms agreeing to be deported without first seeing a judge.

  • Afraid to go back? If you get arrested and there is a final order for your deportation, be sure to let agents know if you have a fear of returning to your home country.

  • Find an attorney. If you get detained, don’t give up hope! Get a trustworthy lawyer and explore all options to fight deportation.

  • Report raids or checkpoints. See Rapid Response number above.

  • Document. If it’s possible, take photos, videos, and notes on exactly what happened. Write down badge numbers. Note if ICE interferes with your right to take photos or video.

To find someone in detention: To find someone who has been detained, access ICE’s online detainee locator at https://locator.ice.gov or call the ACLU Northern California field office at (415) 844-5512

Immigration Legal Help - https://immigrants.sf.gov/
Info on citizenship, immigration screening, getting deportation/detention legal counsel, asylum, green cards, DACA, and more.