Who is at risk when encountering ICE at the airport?
All non-citizens face some risk, especially people whose status is uncertain or who have high risk factors, including people with:
- Old deportation orders
- Temporary legal status
- Pending applications
- Any criminal history
- Green cards
- Deferred Action for Certain Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
What are my risk factors if I have old deportation orders?
If you have an old deportation order on your record, you may be at high risk of arrest, even if you didn’t know you had an old deportation order or if the order is from when you were a child.
How do I check if I have a deportation order?
If the government ever gave you paperwork with an “alien registration” number (A-number), you can check online using the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website or by calling this hotline: 1-800-898-7180.
What are my risk factors if I previously had temporary legal status?
If you had temporary legal status, but the government has terminated, or ended, that status, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you may be at high risk. This includes people who entered the United States on parole, but that parole status has expired or the government has ended the parole program.
What are my risk factors if I have a pending application?
ICE is arresting and detaining people even if they have submitted an application for immigration status in the United States. This means you may be at risk of arrest at an airport even if you have applied for asylum, a green card (lawful permanent residence), or other types of permanent protection. This also includes applications to change or extend your status while in the United States.
Am I at risk if I have a criminal history?
If you are not a U.S. citizen and have had any criminal arrests (even if the case was dropped), immigration officers may try to arrest you.
Am I at risk if I have a green card?
Immigration officers can still arrest green card holders if they have certain criminal convictions (even minor ones) or other risk factors. You can review more resources on this topic to assess your risk.
Am I at risk if I am a DACA holder?
ICE has detained a number of people with Deferred Action for Certain Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Traveling through an airport can be risky, even if you have DACA or another form of Deferred Action. For the latest information on DACA, you can review this Home is Here resource.
