KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Information for Families, Workers, and Community Members
Everyone deserves to feel safe, informed, and prepared. Understanding your rights can help you respond calmly and protect yourself and your loved ones.
This page provides general information to help individuals and families prepare for interactions with law enforcement or immigration authorities. This information is educational and is not legal advice.
YOUR CORE RIGHTS
No matter your immigration status:
• You have the right to remain silent
• You have the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions
• You do not have to sign documents without legal advice
• You do not have to consent to a search without a judicial warrant signed by a judge
• You may ask officers to show a valid judicial warrant before opening your door
• Administrative warrants issued by DHS do not grant permission to enter your home without your consent
If approached by law enforcement or immigration agents, you may calmly say:
“I choose to remain silent.”
“I want to speak to an attorney.”
AT WORK
Workers also have rights.
• Officers may enter public areas of a workplace
• Private employee-only areas generally require consent or a judicial warrant
• Workers have the right to remain silent
• Workers have the right to request an attorney before answering questions
• Employers often receive advance notice of I-9 audits
• Workers may have the opportunity to correct documentation issues
Unions and worker organizations can often help ensure protections and proper procedures are followed.
Emergency Contacts & Care Planning
• Identify a trusted adult who can care for children if needed
• Prepare written caregiver authorization if appropriate
• Share school and medical information with trusted contacts
• Make sure family members know how to reach each other
• Memorize important phone numbers
• Identify someone who can assist with pets, bills, or communication if needed
COMMUNITY SUPPORT & BYSTANDER GUIDANCE
Community members can play an important role in supporting one another.
Safe ways to help:
• Remain calm and observant
• Document information such as date, time, and location
• Record from a safe distance in public spaces
• Connect individuals with trusted legal or community resources
• Share accurate information, not rumors
Avoid:
• Physically interfering with officers
• Escalating the situation
• Blocking vehicles or officers
• Sharing unverified information
AT HOME
You have rights inside your home.
• You do not have to open the door
• Officers generally need a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter
• You may ask officers to slide the warrant under the door
• Administrative warrants are not sufficient to enter your home without your permission
• You have the right to remain silent
• You have the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions or signing documents
Preparing in advance can help reduce stress:
• Create a family emergency plan
• Gather important documents in one safe place
• Identify trusted emergency contacts
• Identify someone who can assist children if needed
WHAT TO DO IF APPROACHED
Staying calm and prepared can help protect your rights.
• Remain calm
• Do not run
• Do not provide false information
• Do not sign documents without speaking with a lawyer
• Ask if you are free to leave
• If detained, request an attorney immediately
• Carry important phone numbers with you
You may choose to repeat:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
“I do not consent to a search.”
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS
Planning ahead can help families feel more secure.
Consider preparing:
Important Documents
Keep copies in a safe and accessible location:
• Passports
• Birth certificates
• Marriage or divorce records
• Social Security cards or ITIN numbers
• Work permits or immigration documents
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Medical records and prescriptions
• School records
• Lease or mortgage documents
• Utility bills
Consider sharing copies with a trusted family member or friend.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Everyone deserves dignity and due process. Knowing your rights helps protect you, your family, and your community.
If you believe your rights have been violated, consider contacting a qualified attorney or trusted community organization.