Disclaimer: The following information is for informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments or address your situation. You should not act or refrain from acting upon this information without consulting professional legal counsel. Laws are different state to state, this information is based on Pennsylvania law.
As a community that values freedom of movement, we know that biking isn’t just a mode of transportation — it’s a part of our independence, connection, and safety. We also know that bike, transit, and other non-car options are vital options for our neighbors who arrived in the U.S. irregularly, and do not have the documents needed for a driver’s license.
With recent changes in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across the country, it’s important for riders, group organizers, bike shops and, really, everyone to understand what to do and what rights everyone has if an immigration-related encounter happens during a ride, at an event, or at your place of business.
Location Matters:
In public:
- Ask, “Am I free to go?”
- If yes, walk (or bike) away
At home:
- Do NOT open the door without seeing a judicial warrant
- Ask ICE to show it through the window or slip it under the door
In your car:
- State: “I do not consent to a search”
- Only the person driving needs to show ID
Know Your Core Rights.
Right to remain silent
- You do not have to answer questions about immigration status
- ICE agents are only supposed to stop you if they have a warrant or if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that you are here without permission
Right to refuse consent to a search
- Applies at home, work, or in your vehicle unless ICE has a judicial warrant
- If they do not honor your right, say “I do not agree to this search”
Right to an attorney
- Do not sign anything without legal advice
- If coerced into signing, write “under duress.”
If you Witness an ICE Arrest:
- Keep Yourself Safe & Lawful
- You have the right to record (if safe)
Witnesses have the right to record as long as they do not interrupt the arrest
- Film openly and comply with any instructions the agents give you.
- If they tell you to stop filming you can tell them: “I am exercising my right to document this arrest.”
- If they tell you to step back, document yourself complying and continue filming if you feel comfortable.
- Always keep your camera focused on law enforcement, not the person being arrested or their family members. Showing their identity can make them vulnerable to retaliation.
- Be sure to capture details like any documents the agents are carrying – such as warrants as well as weapons, badges, and uniforms. Capture context such a street signs and landmarks but don’t stop recording in between shots
- If the agents become violent, remain calm, let the footage speak for itself. If you do narrate, focus on facts such as time of day, number of agents. Do not reveal the identity of the person being detained, their immigrant status or their criminal history.
- Don’t post the footage on social media or livestream it as this can expose yourself and the person detained to retaliation. Instead share with the person’s family and their lawyer and they can decide how to release it. Your footage will be more effective when released strategically in partnership with a lawyer, an advocacy organization or a reputable journalist.
- If you don’t feel comfortable taking a video, you can still document the arrest by taking notes on what happens or simply bearing witness.
- You can gather other witness’s info
- Provide Know Your Rights Support (If Safe)
- Contact Rapid-Response or Lawyer
- Offer Practical & Emotional Aid
For Riders at Risk:
If you are undocumented or have mixed-status family members, a safety plan can help you prepare.
Safety Planning Tips:
- Create a family plan that includes childcare permissions, emergency contacts, and medical information.
- Memorize key phone numbers.
- Share your ride routes or location with a trusted person.
- Consider power of attorney for children or finances (consult legal counsel).
- When biking, treat public spaces like you would anywhere else: stay calm and know your rights.
For Cycling Groups and Community Ride Organizers:
Group rides bring people together — but organizers should be prepared in case of unexpected encounters with ICE or police.
Before Your Ride
- Review your safety plan.
- Designate point people for:
- Recording/documenting any law enforcement activity (Review tips on documentation above)
- Providing “Know Your Rights” support
- Establish code words or alert signals to communicate quickly during an incident.
If ICE or the Police Show Up
- Stay calm and stick to your plan.
- Keep others at a safe distance — avoid escalation.
- Document what happens.
- Move the group to a safe indoor location if possible.
- Contact rapid-response network
What to Bring
- Know Your Rights cards
- Emergency legal hotline numbers
- First aid kit
- Secure digital storage (for photos/videos)
For Businesses and Organizations:
Again, location matters.
Public areas, open or viewable to anyone, include:
- Reception/Waiting areas
- Hallways & common areas
- Restrooms
- Outdoor spaces and Parking Lots
Generally, areas where the public has a right of entrance and exit without restriction. No warrant required for entry.
In general, a judicial warrant is required for ICE or CBP to enter or search private areas (in which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy) that are not open to the public. Clearly mark, “Staff Only,” “Confidential Area,” or Authorized Personnel Only,” on private areas. However, there are exceptions:
- Consent: Entry is allowed if an employee or staff member with apparent authority gives voluntary consent to enter.
- Designate specific staff members to act as the only individuals authorized to respond to law enforcement requests for entry.
- Train all other staff to:
- Refer any agents to the designated authorized person
- Avoid any statements or actions that could be interpreted as giving consent
- Exigent Circumstances: In the event of an emergency, such as imminent danger, destruction of evidence, or active pursuit of a suspect, agents may enter without a warrant
- Probable Cause / Reasonable Suspicion: Agents may conduct a search if they have probable cause to believe that unlawful activity is occurring and immediate action is needed.
If ICE or Police Show Up
- Remain calm. Do not panic or confront officers.
- ICE may only enter if they have:
- A judicial warrant, or
- Consent from someone with legal authority to allow entry.
- Contact your organization’s lawyer or designated point person immediately.
- Ask officers for:
- Their names and agencies, and
- The purpose of their visit.
- Request to see the warrant without opening the door.
(Ask them to slide it under the door or show it through a window.) - Take a photo of the warrant for legal review.
- Ensure it is a valid judicial warrant rather than an administrative one.
For further guidance, we recommend you contact legal experts. We thank you for reading and hope you can join our fight for safe streets and accessible transit for all.
PS We’re making “Know Your Rights” spoke cards to give out to riders in our region. Interested in helping out? Fill out this form >>