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Know your Rights: Immigration Information and Resources

Basic vocabulary to exercise your rights:
-I wish to remain silent
-I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible
-I do not consent to your search of these premises
-I will not sign any documents I do not understand
What if I am asked about my immigration status?
  • ANY law enforcement agent may try to ask you questions about your background, immigration status.
    -‘Immigration’ usually refers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). ICE and CBP are in charge of immigration enforcement within the United States and at the border, respectively. ICE agents often impersonate ‘police’ by wearing police badges, tactical gear, and other police indicia, and by announcing themselves as police.
  • You have the right to remain silent and not answer any question if an immigration agent attempts to talk to you.
What should I do when Immigration knocks on my door?
  • DO NOT let Immigration into your home and DO NOT step outside. Immigration must have a warrant signed by a judge or an occupant’s consent to enter your home. ICE will often trick you into giving consent by saying they are investigating a crime or need to “take a quick look around” or “come in to talk.” They might also show you a warrant that isn’t signed by a judge.
    -DO NOT OPEN the door.
    -ASK to see the judicial search or arrest warrant. They can slip it under the door or hold it up to a window. Do not step outside.
    -CHECK if the warrant is signed by a judge, naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. 
    If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
-If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
-Carry a know-your-rights card with you and show it if an immigration officer stops you.
Have the following plans and conversations with your family and friends.
Financial Preparation, Family and Childcare Plan, Emergency Communication Plan
  • If agents force their way in, don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. 
    -Keep your hands where police can see them.
    -If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
  • Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents.
  • Do not sign anything. You are not required to sign anything without consulting an attorney first.
  • You are not required to show ID or immigration documents. If you have a valid green card or work permit, carry that with you, but tell the agent: “I wish to speak to an attorney.”