1) Get their name and the agency and department they say they are from
2) Ask to see their identification badge (with credential or badge number)
3) Ask to see the warrant. They must have a warrant to search your house.
a) _____ Yes, they have a warrant. If you do not read English you can ask them to read the warrant to you. They are required to leave a copy of the warrant with you. Ask for a copy if they do not offer it. You still have the right to remain silent.
b) _____ No, they do not have a warrant. If they do not have warrant you do not have to let them in! If you let them in that is seen as permission for them to enter and then they will not need a warrant.
If you are unsure if they are an agent, do not open your door! Tell the person you want to call and verify with the local police for your safety. Call the local police (911). Tell the 911 operator:
There is a stranger at my door identifying themselves as a federal agent. I am not sure they really are and I would like an officer to come to my address and verify if this person is a real agent/officer. Tell the operator if you feel threatened or unsafe. Be prepared to describe the person to the 911 operator.
Get the agent's phone number and address
FBI is at your house:
1) There will probably be a lot of people with the agent (other agents and local police). It should never be just one agent at least two.
2) They should be wearing coats/clothes that say FBI in big letters.
3) If the FBI takes ANYTHING they are required to leave a receipt for the item with you.
4) FBI agents will have photo ID with FBI in big letters and their credential number in the upper right hand corner.
5) If the FBI agent does not have a search warrant you do NOT need to let them in. You can also refuse to speak to them. If you do not speak with them they will have to go to a judge/grand jury and ask them to subpoena you to court.
6) You have the right to go to the court house and obtain a copy of the affidavit the agent needed to obtain the search warrant from the judge. Sometimes, however, the court will not release the document on open cases.
7) If the person claiming to be an FBI agent does not fit the above description call the local police.
What to do if a Federal Agent Telephones You
1) GET THIER NAME AND AGENY/DEPARTMRNT THEY SAY THEY ARE FROM
2) Ask for their credential or badge number
3) Get their phone number. Tell them you will call them right back. Then call the main number of the agency they claim to be from and ask to be transferred to the agent/officer who just called you.
____ Yes, I can be transferred to the agent. If you can be transferred to the agent then it is safe to assume they work for the agency. You can talk to the agent or you can ask to reschedule the conversation so you may have an advocate, lawyer, or interpreter present.
____ No, No one by the name given to you works there. If no one by the name given to you works there tell the person answering the phone what happened. Let them know someone has called telling you they worked for the agency and gave you the phone number in.
Main Numbers:
i. Customs Investigations: 206-870-5600
ii. ICE Investigations: 206-553-7924
iii. FBI : 206.622.0460
iv. DOJ- John McKays, US Attorney: 206-553-7970
v. Non-Emergency Number for Seattle Police : 206.624.5011
vi. Contact the ACLU at 206-624-2184 for a free attorney or the 24 hour Arab Hotline at 206-634-9001
*If the number is not listed above look in the blue section of the white pages in your phone book.
