Know Your Rights!

Everyone living in the United States, regardless of status, has certain rights. If you are undocumented and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents contact you, know that:

1. Under the 14th Amendment, you are guaranteed equal protections under the law and cannot be discriminated against on account of nationality/country of origin, appearance, language, gender, race, age, disability, or creed/religion.

2. Under the 5th Amendment, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions from an ICE agent. If you choose to remain silent, say, “I am going to remain silent.”

3. Under the 4th Amendment, you have the right to know the charges against you and why you are being detained. Ask; “Have I done anything wrong?” The ICE agent or
police officer is obligated to answer.

4. The 4th Amendment also protects you from random and arbitrary stops and searches.

5. You have the right not to consent. You have the right to privacy of your person, places, and things and are allowed to not give consent to a search of your property without an arrest warrant.

6. You have the right to be represented by a lawyer. Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officer that you want to speak to one.

7. You have the right to a translator. You can also request paperwork to be given to you in a language you understand.

ICE
•Comply with federal immigration law
•Only have the power to enforce immigration laws
•When ICE is out in our community, they are looking for specific people who have final deportation orders
•Often don’t wear a uniform

POLICE
•Comply with local law
•Do not have the power to enforce immigration laws
•Police patrols our communities
•They are in uniform while on duty (with exceptions)
•They are 911 responders

ON THE STREET

1. Stay calm. Do not run.
2. You do not have to answer any questions.
a. If ICE asks, “Is your name ____,” you can ask, “Have I done
anything wrong?” “Am I free to go?” If they say, "Yes," then walk away calmly.
b. If they say, "No," then say, "I want to use my right to remain silent," and, "I want to speak to my lawyer."
3. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact your lawyer.
4. Show agents any valid immigration documentation you have with you.
5. Do not sign anything before talking to your lawyer.

IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER

If ICE or police signal you to stop your car, you should do so. Immigration officials and police can ask for your name, driver’s license, and registration.

1. Stay calm. Do not run.
2. Always remember your right to remain silent.
3. You do not have to answer any questions.
4. You can refuse consent to search your car, but you should not interfere with the agent's actions.
5. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact your lawyer.
6. Show agents any valid immigration document you have with you.
7. Show agents a valid driver’s license, current insurance and registration.
8. Do not sign anything before talking to your lawyer.

AT YOUR WORKPLACE

1. Stay calm. Do not run.
2. Ask the ICE agents if you are free to leave or return to work. If they say yes, inform the ICE agents that you will not speak with them and continue to work or go quietly.
3. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer any questions.
4. Do not volunteer your name or answer questions about your country of origin or immigration status.
5. If you have valid immigration documents, show them if an immigration agent requests them. Never lie about your status or present false documents.
6. If officials order you to form a row with others according to your immigration status, you are entitled to stay where you are, stay together, or you can go to a place that does not include a row. You can tell ICE agents that you are invoking your right to remain silent. If you are forced to move, do not resist.
7. If agents ask to look through your belongings, you have the right to say, “I do not consent to a search.” Do not resist if they try to look through your belongings without your consent.
8. If it is safe to do so, you can record the incident on a mobile device.

AT HOME

1. Do not open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge (judicial warrant). If you let ICE agents enter, they will no longer need a warrant to search your home.
2. Ask: “Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?”
a. If they say, "Yes," then ask them to pass it under the door or show it through a window.
b. If they say, "No," then say you do not consent to a search.
3. If the warrant is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door or let ICE agents inside.
a. If ICE agents ignore you and enter without permission, saying, “I do not consent” is essential. This may help you in court.
b. Remember that you have the right to remain silent. Make sure family members, especially children, know that they must keep quiet.
c. If it is safe to do so, you can record the incident on a mobile device.
4. If the warrant is valid, say you will use your right to remain silent and want to speak to your lawyer.

1. Memorize a friend/family's phone number to call.
2. Memorize a lawyer’s name and number.
3. Have a safe place at home where you keep important papers and contact information.
4. Identify someone to take care of loved ones.

1. If you can do so safely, take photos of documents and video record raids and arrests.
2. Obtain the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
3. Share information about the raid with your co-workers. If there is a union in your workplace, contact a union official.
4. If ICE agents or police officers enter without a proper warrant, ask for their names and/or write down their badge numbers.