Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Know your rights:
- You have the right to remain silent. You may refuse to speak to immigration officers. Don’t answer any questions. You may also say that you want to remain silent.
- Carry a know-your-rights card and show it if an immigration officer stops you. The card explains that you will remain silent and that you wish to speak with an attorney.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. You may have your lawyer with you if ICE or other law enforcement questions you.
- If you are worried ICE will arrest you, let the officer know if you have children. If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is under age 18, ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.
- Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have. Do not carry papers from another country with you, such as a foreign passport. Such papers could be used against you in the deportation process.
- Report and document raids and arrests. Document or record the encounter or raid details and involved officer names or numbers to share with attorney and advocacy organizations.
- Before you sign anything, talk to a lawyer. ICE may try to get you to sign away your right to see a lawyer or a judge. Be sure you understand what a document actually says before signing it.
Learn more from the ACLU.
Learn more about immigrant legal resources in Indianapolis here.