Know Your Rights
My Sisters’ Place is proud to support our clients who are immigrants. Because of the increasing amount of arrests due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) all over the country, we want to share some information to help those who may be at risk. Know your rights, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you trust for help and resources.
AT MY DOOR
- Do NOT open the door.
- Ask for identification – if they say POLICE ask if they are from ICE or DHS.
- Ask if they have a warrant.
- If NO – ask them to leave.
- If YES – ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.
- Make sure the warrant is signed by a A VALID warrant, signed by a JUDGE must be present in order to enter your home. A warrant signed by an ICE agent or supervisor is NOT valid.
- If ICE asks for a family member say “I do not want to answer any questions.”
IN YOUR HOME:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Say: “I do not consent to this. Please leave the house.” Repeat this until they leave.
- If asked for identity documents, say, “I don’t want to bring my documents.”
- If ICE asks for a family member, you do not have to provide any information about them.
- Remember that a VALID warrant, signed by a JUDGE must be present in order to enter your home. A warrant signed by an ICE agent or supervisor is NOT valid.
- Take notes, pictures, and videos of where they go in your home and what they look through.
ON THE STREET
- DO NOT RUN
- Do not give more information than is necessary. Do not provide any information about your immigration status.
- An officer needs a VALID warrant, signed by a JUDGE in order to perform an arrest.
- Say out loud that you wish to remain silent or show a red “Know Your Rights” card, available here in multiple languages.
- If searched, arrested, or detained, remain calm.
- If searched, say, “I do not consent to this search.”
- Ask: “AM I FREE TO GO?”
IN THE CAR
- Pull your car over and turn it off.
- When asked, follow the officer’s instructions and provide license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- If the officer asks to search your car, say, “No, I do not consent to this search.”
- You have the right to remain silent. Do not provide any information about your immigration status and say out loud that you wish to remain silent.
IN A DETENTION CENTER
- You have the right to make a phone call.
- You have the right to speak with your consulate, an attorney, or an accredited representative.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You have the right to refuse to sign anything before speaking with your attorney.
IN THE WORKPLACE
- Make sure to have an emergency plan in place with co-workers in the event of a raid.
- If your employer isn’t present or gave permission to the officers to enter, ask officers for identification and to view the warrant.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Say out loud that you wish to remain silent.
- If searched, arrested, or detained, say, “I do not consent to this search.”
We hope you can use this knowledge of your rights to help you and your family stay safe. For more information and resources, please visit one of the following links.
https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/ice-home-and-community-arrests/
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights/
