Regardless of Immigration Status, You Have Rights!

These guidelines are subject to change as Trump signs new executive actions, Congress passes new laws, and new court rulings are issued. Please stay tuned as we navigate this situation together and attempt to provide you with the most current guidance. As always, we encourage you to seek the advice of an attorney to discuss your options and to be prepared. Find an immigration attorney in your area here.

Understand your basic rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of your immigration status. Knowing these rights can help protect you and your community.

Encounters with ICE or Law Enforcement

• In Public:

  1. Ask if you're free to leave; if so, calmly walk away

  2. Refuse consent to search

  3. Remain silent

  4. Carry valid immigration documents if you have them

  5. Request an attorney if detained

• At Your Door:

  1. Don't open the door; if you do, remain calm and silent

  2. Ask why they're there and request an interpreter if needed

  3. Request a signed warrant before allowing entry

  4. Don't resist if they force entry; remain calm and silent

  5. Don't sign anything until you've spoken to a lawyer if detained

Protecting Our Schools

• Figure out and advocate for your school to have safety protocols and training for ICE or law enforcement involvement for teachers, staff, and students

• Ensure emergency contacts at schools are up to date

• Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Create a plan with contact information and a meeting point. Here is one resource that you can download and fill out. 

• Community Initiatives: Organize or participate in initiatives like walking bus programs or parent emergency support groups

• School-Based Support Network: Establish a network for students and families affected by ICE activity

• Stay Prepared: Keep Important Phone Numbers Handy; save local immigrant rights organizations and attorneys' contact information

Additional Resources

• Know Your Rights Guides:

  • ACLU: Immigrant Rights Page
  • NILC: Know Your Rights: What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration
  • Immigrant Defense Project: Know Your Rights with ICE

• Mental Health and Wellness:

  • United We Dream's UndocuHealth Initiative's Resilience and Community Care Toolkit
  • Informed Immigrants' Mental Health for Immigrants: Taking Care of Yourself and Loved Ones Toolkit
  • Immigrants Rising's Wellness Support Groups

• Emergency Preparedness Guides:

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center's Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan
  • CASA's Know Your Rights & Emergency Planning Guide

By knowing your rights and being prepared, you can protect yourself and your community.