As summer travel picks up and many immigrants plan trips outside of New York City, a common concern arises: Is it safe to travel if you’re undocumented or unsure about your immigration status? Whether you’re visiting family in another state, heading to the beach, or just exploring nearby cities, it’s important to know your rights and the risks involved when traveling by bus, train, or car.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited representative. The content was last updated August 2025.
What types of travel are safer for immigrants?
The degree of travel risk depends on the mode of transit you’re planning to use, but especially in the current environment of aggressive enforcement, any travel can put undocumented people at risk of apprehension and detention by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Buses and trains
Bus and train travel inside the U.S. is generally considered safer than air travel for immigrants without legal status. Unlike airports, which are federal zones with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, most bus and train stations do not require ID to board, and immigration enforcement presence is possible but rare.
That said, despite immigration agents being prohibited from boarding buses and trains and questioning passengers without warrants, there have been reports of Border Patrol and ICE conducting checks at train stations, especially near state border regions and major transit hubs. The ACLU has documented cases of random checks on Greyhound and Amtrak routes, especially within 100 miles of the U.S. border.
During these checks, ICE officers will ask for documentation that verifies your immigration status. If they stop you at a train or bus, consider the following recommendations:
- Do not answer questions about your citizenship or immigration status or sign any paperwork without a lawyer’s advice. Do not lie. You have the right to stay silent.
- You may provide valid immigration papers, if you have them, but never provide false documents.
- You can refuse a search of your belongings by stating, “I do not consent to a search.”
- You have the right to record videos of immigration agents.
- If stopped or searched, you have the right to ask for the officer’s name or ID number.
Traveling by car
When you’re on the road, you are more likely to interact with police officers who may pull you over for traffic violations like speeding. Interior immigration checkpoints are more common on routes near the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada.
Remember, you can get a New York driver’s license even if you’re undocumented. Here’s a guide to help you.
If you are stopped by either law enforcement or immigration enforcement while in your car, consider the following recommendations:
- Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window partway, and place your hands on the wheel.
- Upon request, show the police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- If an officer or immigration agent asks to search your car, you can refuse. However, if the police officer believes your car contains evidence of a crime, they can search it without your consent.
- Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you’re a passenger, you can also ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, silently leave.
What about flights?
If you’re undocumented, flying within the U.S. can be risky. The TSA requires a valid government-issued ID or passport to travel by air. For a full list of TSA-acceptable forms of ID click here.
Also Read: What Immigrants Need to Know About New REAL ID Travel Requirements
There have also been reports of passengers being flagged and questioned about their immigration status at airports — especially under the Trump administration’s increased enforcement tactics.
What should I do if I’m approached by law enforcement?
These responses are based on know-your-rights guidance from the ACLU and Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
- You have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status. You can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
- You do not have to show ID to police unless you’re driving and are asked to present your license. You do have to show ID at Border Patrol checkpoints.
- If ICE or Border Patrol agents ask to search you or your belongings, you can say: “I do not consent to a search.”
- Finally, always stay calm and avoid running or arguing.
