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Fact check: What types of identification documents does ICE accept as valid?

Checked on August 20, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, ICE accepts several specific types of identification documents as valid proof of immigration status. The sources reveal that non-citizens are legally required to carry copies of their immigration documents [1], and these include:

  • Green cards (I-551 Permanent Resident Card) - mentioned as acceptable identification [1] [2]
  • Visas - referenced as required documentation for non-citizens [1]
  • Work permits/Employment Authorization Documents (EAD/I-766) - specifically cited as valid identification [1] [3] [2]
  • I-94 Arrival-Departure Records - noted as proof of immigration status [4] [2]
  • Foreign passports - mentioned as acceptable for federal purposes [5] [3]
  • U.S. passports - listed as valid identification [3]

The analyses consistently emphasize that standard state-issued driver's licenses or state IDs are not sufficient proof of immigration status for ICE purposes [4]. This is particularly relevant given that 19 states, including Nevada, issue driver authorization cards to undocumented individuals, but these are explicitly not valid for federal purposes [6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context that emerge from the analyses:

  • Legal obligation context: The analyses reveal that non-citizens have a legal requirement to carry immigration documents at all times [1], which frames ICE's document acceptance policies within a broader legal framework.
  • Enforcement targeting: ICE specifically targets certain groups, including "arriving aliens" who have been in the US for less than two years and those granted humanitarian parole [1], suggesting that document requirements may vary based on immigration status.
  • Registration requirements: Under recent policy developments, certain documents like I-94s, I-551 cards, and I-766s may serve as proof of compliance with registration requirements [2], adding another layer to document validity.
  • Agent identification concerns: Multiple sources highlight ongoing issues with ICE agent identification requirements [7] [8] [9], including proposed legislation like the VISIBLE Act that would require agents to display clear identification to prevent impersonation.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it is a straightforward inquiry. However, the question's framing could potentially lead to incomplete understanding without proper context:

  • The question doesn't acknowledge the legal requirement for non-citizens to carry specific immigration documents [1], which could lead to misunderstanding about whether document presentation is optional.
  • The question lacks context about state versus federal document validity, particularly relevant given that many states issue driver's licenses to undocumented individuals that are not valid for federal immigration purposes [6].
  • The question doesn't address the enforcement context, where ICE's document acceptance policies are part of broader targeting strategies affecting specific immigrant populations [1].

The analyses suggest that understanding ICE's document acceptance policies requires knowledge of both the legal obligations placed on non-citizens and the broader immigration enforcement landscape, which the original question doesn't capture.

Want to dive deeper?
What types of identification documents are required for ICE check-in?
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How does ICE verify the authenticity of identification documents?
What are the consequences of not having valid identification documents during an ICE encounter?
Are state-issued ID cards accepted by ICE as valid identification?