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Fact check: What rights do green card holders have during ICE raids?

Checked on August 17, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, green card holders have specific constitutional rights during ICE raids, but face significant vulnerabilities. Green card holders maintain the right to remain silent and request legal representation if detained [1]. They are legally required to carry proof of their immigration status, but are not obligated to answer questions without a lawyer present [1].

However, the analyses reveal that lawful permanent residents are vulnerable to removal proceedings, particularly those with prior convictions. The case of Sonny Lasquite, a green card holder detained by ICE due to a prior conviction despite living in the US for 23 years, demonstrates this vulnerability [2]. Similarly, Deon Lewis, another green card holder, was detained by ICE and is begging for deportation due to poor medical treatment in detention [3] [4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about the practical realities and limitations of green card holders' rights during ICE enforcement:

  • Fear-based compliance: Many green card holders are hesitant to travel or exercise their rights due to fear of retaliation or deportation, with some considering applying for citizenship to secure their status [5].
  • Prior convictions create vulnerability: Green card holders with criminal histories face heightened risk of detention and removal proceedings, even for long-term residents who have contributed to their communities [2].
  • Detention conditions: The analyses reveal concerning conditions in ICE detention facilities, with cases like Deon Lewis begging for deportation due to inadequate medical treatment highlighting humanitarian concerns [3] [4].
  • Misinformation concerns: The analyses include reference to hoax stories about ICE deportations being debunked by the Department of Homeland Security, indicating the spread of misinformation in this area [6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it is a straightforward inquiry about rights. However, the analyses reveal broader misinformation challenges in immigration reporting:

  • Unverified stories: The Department of Homeland Security had to debunk a hoax story about ICE secretly deporting someone to Guatemala, demonstrating how misinformation can spread and potentially demonize ICE agents [6].
  • Incomplete picture: Focusing solely on legal rights without acknowledging the practical fears and vulnerabilities experienced by green card holders could present an incomplete understanding of their actual situation during ICE raids.

The analyses suggest that while green card holders do have constitutional protections, the current enforcement climate has created significant anxiety among this population, with many "never being afraid before" but now experiencing growing concerns about their security in the United States [5].

Want to dive deeper?
Can green card holders be deported during ICE raids?
What rights do green card holders have when stopped by ICE agents?
Do green card holders have the right to an attorney during ICE raids?
How do green card holders prove their status during ICE encounters?
What are the differences in rights between green card holders and US citizens during ICE raids?