Know your rights
No matter the situation, the U.S. Constitution guarantees basic rights for everyone, including undocumented immigrants. It's essential to know your rights, assert those rights, and do not be intimidated.
If you ever find yourself face-to-face with ICE or law enforcement, whether at home, on the street, or anywhere else, remember: you have the rights outlined below. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) stands with you. LULAC councils are fighting tirelessly to ensure that the rights of all individuals—documented and undocumented alike—are never violated and that your dignity is always respected.
You have the right to remain silent and do not have to speak with immigration officers
- You can refuse to answer questions and state that you wish to remain silent.
- Avoid sharing any information about your place of birth or how you arrived in the U.S.
Carry a know-your-rights card and present it if an immigration officer stops you
- This card states that you choose to remain silent and wish to speak with an attorney.
- You may use the following Red Card
Do not open your door
- ICE needs a judge-signed warrant to enter, which they rarely have.
- If they claim to have one, ask them to show it through a window or under the door.
- The warrant must have your correct name and address.
- Talking through the door helps you avoid answering questions.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer
- Simply say, “I need to speak to my attorney.”
- Your lawyer can be present if ICE or law enforcement questions you.
Talk to a lawyer before signing anything
- ICE may ask you to sign away your rights to a lawyer or judge.
- Make sure you understand any document before signing.
Carry only essential documents
- Always have your valid U.S. immigration documents, such as a work permit or green card, for identification.
- Avoid carrying foreign passports or other foreign papers, as they may be used against you in deportation proceedings.
Inform ICE about your children
- If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident under 18, notify the officer.
- ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go based on your caregiving role.
Create a safety plan
- Memorize contact numbers for a friend, family member, or attorney to call if arrested.
- Make arrangements for the care of children or dependents in case of detention.
- Store important documents (birth certificates, immigration papers) in a secure location accessible to trusted individuals.
Ensure your loved ones can locate you if detained by ICE
- Make sure your loved ones know how to find you if you are detained by ICE. They can use ICE’s online detainee locator (locator.ice.gov/odls/homePage.do) to find an adult who is in immigration custody.
- Or they can call the local ICE office (www.ice.gov/contact/ero). Make sure they have your alien registration number written down, if you have one.
- You can call the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline number at 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on your case’s status.
Report and document raids and arrests
- If safe, take photos, videos, and notes of the raid or arrest.
- Report a raid to United We Dream at 1-844-363-1423.
- Text updates to 877877.
Find legal help
- Access low-cost legal services at www.immigrationlawhelp.org.
- Find free legal providers at www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers-map.
- Use the search tool at immi.org to locate legal services by zip code.
- Search for an immigration lawyer via the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
- The National Immigration Project also offers a lawyer search tool.
