Can I sue ICE without a lawyer?

Yes. You have the right to file a federal civil rights lawsuit pro se (representing yourself) under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Our tool helps you generate the complaint document needed to file in federal court.

What if ICE detained me without a warrant?

Detention without a judicial warrant or probable cause may violate your Fourth Amendment rights. ICE administrative warrants are not sufficient for arrest - a judicial warrant signed by a judge is required. You can sue for this violation.

How much does it cost to sue ICE?

Federal court filing fees are $402, but you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it. Our complaint generator is completely free. If you win your case, you may recover damages and attorney fees.

Can undocumented immigrants sue ICE?

Yes. All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have constitutional rights including Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections. You can sue ICE officers for violating those rights.

What damages can I recover from an ICE detention lawsuit?

You can seek compensatory damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, family separation, and other harms. You may also seek punitive damages if the officers' conduct was particularly egregious.

Do I need evidence to sue ICE?

While evidence strengthens your case, you can file a complaint based on your testimony. Common evidence includes ICE documents (I-213, Notice to Appear), photos, medical records, and witness statements.

Detained by ICE? Can't Get Legal Help? Stake Your Claim Pro Se

Step 1: Court Selection

Federal District Court *

Case/Civil Action Number

Step 2: Your Information (Plaintiff)

Full Name *

Alien Registration Number (A-Number)

If applicable

City *

State *

Current Address *

Phone Number

Email Address

Country of Origin *

Step 3: Defendants

For § 1983 claims, you must sue individual government officials in their personal capacity. Include ICE officers/agents who were directly involved in your detention.

Primary ICE Officer/Agent Name

If you don't know their name, use "John/Jane Doe ICE Agent"

Badge Number (if known)

ICE Field Office Location *

Additional Officers Involved

Step 4: Detention Details

Detention Start Date *

Detention End Date

Leave blank if still detained

Location of Detention *

Circumstances of Detention *

Be as specific as possible. Include dates, times, locations, and what was said.

Did ICE have a warrant? *

Were you given a reason for detention?

Step 5: Constitutional Violations

Select the constitutional rights that were violated:

Fourth Amendment - Unreasonable search/seizure without probable cause or warrant

Fifth Amendment - Denial of due process

Fourteenth Amendment - Denial of equal protection (racial profiling)

Excessive Force - Used unreasonable force during detention

Describe the Harm You Suffered *

Additional Details About Violations

Step 6: Evidence

Available Evidence

ICE documents (Notice to Appear, I-213, etc.)

Photos or videos

Medical records

Witness statements

Other evidence

Witnesses

Note: You'll need to attach your evidence as exhibits when you file the complaint with the court.

Step 7: Review & Download

Review your information below. If you need to make changes, use the "Previous" button to go back to earlier steps.

Important Disclaimer

This is an experimental feature. Generated complaints should serve as a starting point and must be reviewed carefully. Immigration law is complex - strongly consider consulting with an immigration attorney before filing.

Next Steps:
1. Review and customize the complaint
2. Attach evidence as exhibits
3. File with your federal district court
4. Pay the filing fee ($402) or request fee waiver (IFP application)
5. Serve the defendants according to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Sue ICE for Unlawful Detention: Pro Se Complaint Generator