Know Your Rights

All people in this country have rights.

This is provided for informational or educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Talk to a lawyer about your specific situation before relying on the information below. If you have been arrested, always consult with a lawyer.
 
  • Remain Silent. You do not have to share your place of birth, immigration status, or how you entered the U.S.
  • Ask for a Lawyer.
  • Refuse to Consent to a Search.
  • Refuse to Sign Documents Until You Speak to an Attorney. If you choose to sign a document, make sure you fully understand what it means.
  • Document What’s Happened. Ask someone to openly record the interaction. As soon as you’re able, write down what’s happened or ask a witness to do so.
  • Lie
  • Show False Documents
  • Panic or Run Away from ICE
  • Resist or shout
  • Put Hands in Pockets. Make sure your hands are clearly visible in an ICE interaction.
  • You do not have to open the door unless they have a valid search warrant.
  • A ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. An ICE warrant is signed by an ICE official or immigration judge, issued by the Department of Homeland Security, and it does not give them access to your house unless you consent. A search warrant is signed by a judge.
  • If they say they have a search warrant, ask to see it through a window or ask that it be slipped under the door. If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it AND is not signed by a judge, you do not have to let them inside.
  • If you choose to remain silent, say “I choose to remain silent.”
  • You can ask if you are under arrest or if you are free to leave. If they say you are not free to leave, stay where you are.
  • You do not have to answer questions or show documents. If you choose to remain silent, say “I choose to remain silent.”
  • Do not show false documents, provide false information, or claim to be a U.S. citizen if you are not one.
  • You have the right to ask for an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, ask for a list of pro bono lawyers.
  • Do not sign any paperwork before talking to an attorney or without understanding what it means. You could be waiving your rights and could lead to deportation.
  • You can ask if you are under arrest or if you are free to leave. If they say you are not free to leave, stay where you are.
  • You do not have to answer questions or show documents. If you choose to remain silent, say “I choose to remain silent.”
  • Do not show false documents, provide false information, or claim to be a U.S. citizen if you are not one.
  • Our office can contact federal agencies to request information or updates on your case. We cannot provide legal advice, change agency decisions, or guarantee outcomes, but inquiries may help clarify delays or next steps. Response times vary by agency and case.
  • Know Your Elected Federal Officials. Consider keeping a signed DHS/ICE Privacy Waiver in a safe place in case we need to inquire on your behalf.
  • Memorize the phone number of at least one emergency contact/family member/friend.
  • Consult a lawyer before anything happens.
  • Make sure you have copies of important documents and keep originals in a safe place.