Know Your Rights Guide
If You're Stopped by Police
- You must identify yourself, with your name, address and/or date of birth.
- You have a right to remain silent. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer.
- Stay calm. Don't run. Don't argue, resist, or obstruct the police. Keep your hands where police can see them.
- Ask if you're free to leave. If yes, calmly and silently walk away.
- You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings.
If You're Stopped In Your Car
- Upon request, show police your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance (if you have it).
- If an officer or immigration agent asks to search your car, you can refuse. But if police believe your car contains evidence of a crime (drugs, weapons, alcohol), they can search it without your consent.
- Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you're a passenger, you can also ask if you're free to leave. If yes, silently leave.
If You're Asked about your Immigration Status
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your national origin, whether you're a U.S. citizen, or whether or not you have legal status.
- If you have a valid immigration document or permit, you should show it if an immigration agent requests it. Immigration law requires that every resident keep their resident card on them.
- Do not lie about your citizenship status or provide fake documents.
If the Police or Immigration Agents Come to your Home
- You don't have to let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. This warrant must include your name and address.
- Ask them to show you the warrant. Officers can only search the areas and for the items listed on the warrant.
- An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person is inside.
- A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.
- Even if officers have a warrant, after identifying yourself, you may remain silent. If you choose to speak, step outside and close the door.
If you are Arrested by Police
- Do not resist. Cooperate.
- Say you wish to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer. If you can't afford a lawyer, the government must provide you one.
- Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
- You have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
- Don't discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.
- An immigration officer may visit you in jail. Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer.
- Read all papers fully. If you don't understand or cannot read the papers, say you need an interpreter.
If You're Taken into Immigration (Or "ICE") Custody
- You have the right to a lawyer, but the government will not provide one, like in criminal cases.
- You have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your arrest.
- Tell the immigration officer you wish to remain silent. Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.
- Do not sign anything, such as a voluntary departure or stipulated removal, without talking to a lawyer.
- Know your immigration number ("A" number) and give it to your family. This number is on the bracelet they give you and will help them locate you.
