Bay Area Immigrant and Ally Resource Guide for Dealing with ICE
From January 2025 to June 2025, ICE has made at least 2,527 arrests in the state of California. That is a 122% increase from the same period in 2024.
Below is a quick resource guide for data on state, local, and federal ICE arrests, as well as legal information for dealing with ICE encounters, resistance action that can be taken, and immigrant support services.
San Francisco ICE Resistance Action
ICE out of SF courts!
Every Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: 100 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
What: Join neighbors, activists, and grassroots organizations in resisting ICE abductions happening at immigration court hearings!
ICE is indiscriminately taking anyone in order to meet their daily quotas. Many of those taken include people with no removal proceedings.
We need all hands on deck, even if you can only participate for 1 or 2 hrs
National and State Immigration and Customs Enforcement Data
For arrest and detention data, visit the Deportation Data Project, an organization that compiles data from ICE, Customs and Border Patrol and Justice Department Executive Office of Immigration Review.
List of people arrested by ICE by the date and method of every arrest (apprehension), along with some other case information, including basic information about individuals’ nationality and whether they had criminal convictions. Download Here.
San Francisco Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Junyao Yang of Mission Local is tracking every ICE action in San Francisco. In June and July of 2025, ICE has focused its arrests at the ICE’s downtown field office at 630 Sansome St. and the San Francisco Immigration Court at 100 Montgomery St.
San Francisco Immigrant & Legal Education Network
The San Francisco Immigrant Legal & Education Network (SFILEN) is a unique collaboration of legal and service organizations dedicated to aiding the immigrant community in San Francisco.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Working with and educating immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to help build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people
Immediate Legal Assistance
San Francisco
If you need immediate legal assistance, call the San Francisco Rapid Response Network at (415) 200-1548.
Alameda County/Oakland
Have you recently seen, interacted with, or been detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
If you are in Alameda County and witness Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in action, suspect ICE activity in progress, or if you or someone you know is detained by ICE, please contact the Hotline at (510) 241-4011 during the operating hours of 6AM – 6PM. Priority will be given to calls related to ICE arrests.
SF Worker & Union Protection
We RISE SF is dedicated to meeting the legal needs of the greatest number of union workers and their families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
https://www.werisesf.org/services
What S.F. immigrants can do if they encounter ICE at home, work or in public
This informative Guide was published by Maura Corkery & the fine folks at El Tecolote in both English and Espanol. El Tecolote is the voice of San Francisco’s “pueblo.” They answer questions and report on news that shape the lives of Latinx people who live or work in the city. Located in the heart of Mission District, they document and amplify the community’s vibrant role in the city’s political, art and cultural scene.
Original article links for information in English and Spanish:
What S.F. immigrants can do if they encounter ICE at home, work or in public
Fear of ICE raids and arrests has been spreading through immigrant communities, fueled by news reports, social media, and misinformation. It’s important to remember, however, that everyone in the U.S.— regardless of immigration status — is protected under the Constitution.
Knowing your rights can help protect you, your family, and your coworkers from unlawful detention and deportation. Here’s what you need to know about your legal protections at home, at work and in public spaces.
- Immigration news: 16 major Trump-era policy changes you should know about
What does ICE look like?
A common source of confusion is that ICE agents frequently identify themselves as “police” during arrests without clarifying that they are federal immigration agents. While this is legal under federal law, advocates argue that it misleads people into cooperating with ICE, believing they are interacting with local police.
How to recognize ICE officers:
- They are often in plainclothes, wearing anything from jeans and a t-shirt to formal work attire; they also might wear blue tactical vests.
- Their gear may say “Police ICE,” “Police HSI,” or just “Police.”
- Unlike SFPD, they do not wear standard police uniforms.
Key differences between ICE and SFPD officers:
- SFPD officers must disclose their name and badge number upon request.
- ICE agents do NOT wear full police uniforms — impersonating a police officer is illegal.
- ICE agents must carry a badge, but they do not always display it clearly.
Related: No, ICE doesn’t work with S.F. police. Here’s what you need to know
Be prepared for encounters with ICE
One of the best ways to protect yourself if you are stopped and detained is to make an emergency plan with a trusted friend, family member or coworker.
How to prepare now:
- Share your full name and “A number” (if applicable) with someone you trust, and make sure they have the contact information for the SF Rapid Response Network so you’re able to get legal representation as quickly as possible.
- Know a legal resource you can call if detained. The most highly recommended resource for emergency counsel is the SF Rapid Response Network: (415) 200-1548.
Your rights on the streets
If an ICE officer or any law enforcement agent stops you in public:
- You do NOT have to provide your name or ID.
- You do NOT have to answer any questions. It’s best to stay silent.
- Film the interaction and if necessary, ask a passerby to film as well in case your phone is confiscated. Remember to tell them your name and to call the SF Rapid Response Network ASAP.
What to say if stopped by ICE:
- “Am I under arrest?”
- “Am I being detained?”
If the answer is “no,” ask to leave — ICE cannot legally stop you without grounds for arrest.
If the answer is “yes,” stay calm and ask for a lawyer.
If you are arrested:
- Do NOT panic. Stay silent and insist on your right to a phone call.
- Do NOT answer any questions until a lawyer is present.
- Do NOT sign anything. ICE may try to pressure you into signing away your legal rights.
Your rights at home
Law enforcement – including ICE – is only legally allowed to enter private space with a search warrant; this includes your place of residence (whether you own or rent your residence does not matter, ICE is still required to have a warrant).
If ICE knocks on your door:
- Do NOT open the door.
- Ask to see a warrant. Hold it up to a window or have them slide it under the door. You are even allowed to ask for a copy of the warrant to keep for your records.
- Only a warrant signed by a judge (a judicial warrant) allows them inside.
The difference between a valid and invalid warrant:
- A valid warrant is called a Judicial warrant – it is from a United States District Court (it will say “United States District Court” at the top) and is signed by a judge or magistrate.
- An invalid warrant is called an Administrative warrant – it is from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (it will say “Department of Homeland Security” at the top) and is signed by an ICE supervisor — it does NOT grant them entry.
- DO NOT let them in if they only have an administrative warrant.
- Double check whether or not the warrant has been signed – it does not matter which type of warrant it is, if it’s not signed then it is invalid.
If they force their way in:
- Say “I do not consent to this search.”
- Take notes on what happens and/or film what’s happening
- Call a lawyer immediately.
Your rights at work
Unfortunately, ICE can enter businesses during work hours and ask for information about targeted employees. However, they cannot enter non-public areas without permission.
What employers can do to protect workers:
- Create a chain of command – Designate a manager or owner to handle all ICE inquiries.
- Restrict access to non-public areas – Use “Employees Only” signs.
- Request a judicial warrant before allowing ICE inside private areas.
If ICE questions an employee:
- Do not run. This could be used as probable cause for arrest.
- You do NOT have to answer questions. Politely refer them to the manager or owner, and if they persist, decline to speak without a lawyer present.
- You do NOT have to show work documents unless presented with a valid warrant.
If ICE detains an employee:
- Do not sign anything.
- Call an attorney immediately.
Know your rights, stay prepared
The most important things for a person to do should they be worried about themselves or a loved one boil down to these few steps:
- Make an emergency plan with loved ones.
- If you have questions or concerns about your own legal status, contact an immigration lawyer so you have all the facts and legal representation should you be detained.
- Do not share your name with, or give your ID to ICE.
- Do not answer questions or sign anything.
- Always ask for a lawyer if detained.
- Stay calm and document everything.
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