Know Your Rights

Everyone in the United States has constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status. These rights do not disappear because someone with a badge tells you they do.

This is not legal advice

This page provides general information about your constitutional rights. For advice about your specific situation, contact an immigration attorney. See our Resources page for free legal aid.

When ICE Comes to Your Door

SAY THIS: "I do not consent to your entry. Please slide any warrant under the door."

Do This

  • Keep the door closed and locked
  • Ask "Are you police or immigration?" through the closed door
  • Ask them to slide any warrant under the door
  • Check if the warrant is signed by a judge (not just ICE)
  • Stay silent. You have the right to not answer questions
  • Record what is happening if safe to do so
  • Call your emergency contact and/or attorney immediately

Do Not Do This

  • Do not open the door
  • Do not sign anything without talking to a lawyer
  • Do not give false information or false documents
  • Do not run or resist physically
  • Do not provide information about your immigration status
  • Do not provide information about where you were born

Judicial Warrant vs. ICE Warrant

A judicial warrant is signed by a judge and gives officers the legal right to enter your home. It will say "United States District Court" at the top.

An ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200) is NOT signed by a judge. It does NOT give ICE the right to enter your home without your consent. It will say "Department of Homeland Security" at the top.

Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge allows officers to enter without your permission.

During a Traffic Stop

SAY THIS: "I choose to exercise my right to remain silent. I do not consent to a search."

Do This

  • Pull over safely. Turn off the engine
  • Keep your hands where the officer can see them
  • Provide your driver's license, registration, and insurance if asked
  • State clearly: "I choose to remain silent"
  • Ask: "Am I free to go?" If yes, leave calmly
  • Remember badge numbers and patrol car numbers

Do Not Do This

  • Do not consent to a search of your vehicle
  • Do not answer questions about where you were born
  • Do not answer questions about your immigration status
  • Do not argue, resist, or obstruct the officer
  • Do not lie or provide false documents

During a Workplace Raid

SAY THIS: "I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."

Do This

  • Stay calm. Do not run
  • Say clearly: "I want to speak to a lawyer"
  • Exercise your right to remain silent
  • If you have valid work authorization documents, you may show them
  • Remember everything: names, badge numbers, what was said
  • Contact your emergency contact as soon as possible
  • Contact your union representative if you have one

Do Not Do This

  • Do not sign any papers without a lawyer present
  • Do not provide false documents
  • Do not answer questions about your status, birthplace, or how you entered the U.S.
  • Do not sign a voluntary departure agreement
  • Do not resist physically

Stopped on the Street

SAY THIS: "Am I free to go? I do not consent to any search. I choose to remain silent."

Do This

  • Ask: "Am I being detained or am I free to go?"
  • If free to go, walk away calmly
  • If detained, state: "I choose to remain silent"
  • Keep your hands visible
  • Memorize badge numbers and officer descriptions

Do Not Do This

  • Do not run
  • Do not provide information about your immigration status
  • Do not consent to a search of your person or belongings
  • Do not physically resist, even if you believe the stop is illegal

The "Red Card"

Know Your Rights Card

The ILRC and ACLU publish "Red Cards" you can print, carry, and hand to agents. The card states your constitutional rights in writing. You can hand it through a closed door or show it during an encounter without speaking.

The card reads:

SAY THIS: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not consent to a search of my person or property. If I am detained, I request to speak to a lawyer. I choose not to answer any questions until I consult with my attorney."

Print these cards and keep them in your wallet, your car, and by your front door. Give them to everyone in your family.