Know Your Rights

ICE Awareness

Everyone in the United States — regardless of immigration status — has certain rights. Knowing them ahead of time helps you stay calm and safe. Share this with the people you love.

Your basic rights

These protections apply to everyone, citizen or not.

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Right to remain silent

You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, your immigration status, or how you entered the country. You can say: “I choose to remain silent.”

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Right to not open the door

You do not have to open your door unless agents show a warrant signed by a judge with your correct name and address. Ask them to slide it under the door.

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Right to a lawyer

You have the right to speak to an attorney. Do not sign anything you do not understand or that you have not reviewed with a lawyer.

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Right to refuse to sign

Signing certain documents can waive your rights or agree to leave the country. When in doubt, say you want to talk to a lawyer first.

If you are pulled over while driving

Stay calm — panic can escalate a stop. Move through these steps.

Pull over safely, turn off the engine, turn on the interior light at night, and keep your hands visible on the wheel.
Provide your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance if asked — this is required of all drivers.
You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or birthplace. You can stay silent.
You can ask: “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, calmly drive away.
Do not lie or show false documents, and do not run. Never sign anything you do not understand.
If it is safe, remember or write down badge numbers, patrol-car numbers, and what happened.

If ICE comes to your home or workplace

Keep the door closed. Ask, through the door, if they have a warrant signed by a judge.
An ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 / I-205) does not allow them to enter without your consent. Only a judicial warrant does.
Do not open the door to “look at” the warrant — ask them to slide it under or hold it to a window.
Stay calm, do not run, and do not sign anything.
Say clearly: “I do not consent to your entry. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Make a family safety plan now. Memorize an attorney's phone number, decide who will care for your children, and keep important documents in one safe place. Carry a “Know Your Rights” red card so you can hand it over instead of speaking.

Helpful tools

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Red cards

Wallet-sized cards from the ILRC that state your rights in English and Spanish. Hand one to an officer instead of answering questions.
Add your preferred red-card link here.

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Emergency contacts

Save a trusted lawyer and a family emergency contact in your phone and on paper. Memorize at least one number in case your phone is taken.

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Recording

In public spaces you generally have the right to record law enforcement, as long as you do not interfere. Keep a safe distance and stay calm.

Please note: This page is general educational information, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited nonprofit such as RAICES.