Understanding the differences between a subpoena and a warrant — documents that immigration agencies rely on as part of their tactics to coerce cooperation — is critical and enables people to exercise their rights in an informed manner.
This factsheet provides community members and advocates clarification on:
- immigration enforcement power and immigration subpoena power
- how to distinguish between judicial warrants and subpoenas and their administrative immigration counterparts
- what to do in response to receiving an immigration warrant or immigration subpoena
This factsheet also includes a case study about Liberty High School in New York City, highlighting how schools, advocates, and lawyers can intervene to block immigration subpoenas and keep immigrant communities safe.
Read MoreBenefits for Immigrant Survivors of Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Other Serious Crimes in California
Updated Oct 6, 2026 This resource reviews the two categories of immigrants covered by California's SB 1569 (trafficking survivors and U visa applicants/holders), the benefits they may receive, and what they need to show in order to get these benefits. Originally...
CLINIC v. Rubio
This lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries.
Last update: Oct 1, 2026