As part of our editorial workflow, this article was reviewed using the TCO Editorial Prompt AI Style Guide. Human editors always make the final decisions

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1. Ohio-Specific Context (Important)

  • ICE is federal. Local Ohio police are not required to enforce immigration law.
  • In Ohio, police cannot detain you solely because ICE asks them to.
  • Many Ohio cities and counties do not honor ICE “detainer” requests unless required by a judge.
  • Your constitutional rights apply regardless of immigration status.

2. First Question to Ask ICE

Always ask calmly:

“Am I being detained?”

If they say NO

  • You may say:

     “I choose to remain silent and I want to leave.”

  • Then walk away calmly.

If they say YES

  • You are being detained.
  • You still have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.

3. Your Right to Remain Silent

You do not have to answer:

  • Where you were born
  • Your immigration status
  • How you entered the U.S.

Say clearly:

“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

⚠️ Do not lie or show fake documents.

4. Searches: You Can Say No

ICE may ask to search:

  • Your pockets
  • Your phone
  • Your car
  • Your home

You can say:

“I do not consent to a search.”

5. If ICE Comes to Your Home (Very Important)

You do not have to open the door.

Ask them to show a warrant through the door or window.

Two kinds of warrants (only one allows entry):

Type of Warrant Who Signs It Can ICE Enter Your Home?
Judicial warrant Judge ✅ YES
ICE administrative warrant (I-200 / I-205) ICE officer ❌ NO

If it is not signed by a judge, you can say:

“I do not consent to entry.”

6. If You Are Detained or Arrested

Say only:

“I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Then remain silent.

  • Do not answer questions without a lawyer.
  • Do not sign anything you don’t understand.

7. Do Not Sign Documents Without Legal Advice

ICE may pressure you to sign papers that:

  • Waive your right to a hearing
  • Agree to “voluntary departure”

You can say:

“I will not sign anything until I speak with a lawyer.”

8. Identification

  • You may ask:

“Are you a federal agent?”

 “Which agency are you with?”

  • ICE agents should identify themselves.

9. U.S. Citizens

  • U.S. citizens cannot be detained for immigration enforcement.
  • You may still assert your right to remain silent.
  • You may ask why you are being stopped.

 

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The Cleveland Observer remains committed to producing journalism that is accurate, community-centered, and reflective of Cleveland’s diverse voices. As part of our editorial workflow, this article was reviewed using the TCO Editorial Prompt AI Style Guide, a structured tool that supports clarity, fact-checking standards, community impact framing, sourcing, and overall readability. All recommendations generated by the AI are reviewed, verified, and approved by a human content provider before publication.
Human editors always make the final decisions.

Ron Calhoun is the Founder and President of the Cleveland Observer and a retired IT professional with 15 years of experience. With a strong background in information technology, he is passionate about...