Know Your Rights

Whether you are at work, home or in your community, the labor movement wants you to know your rights and be prepared when interacting with law enforcement, including immigration agents. Post this information on the back of your door so your family will have ready access.

1. You have the right to REMAIN SILENT. You have the right not to answer any questions, including questions about your family, where you were born, whether you
   are a citizen, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status. When interacting with a law enforcement agent, stay calm, don't run and say, "I choose to remain silent," or hand a card to a law enforcement agent.
   
2. You have the right NOT TO SIGN any documents without first speaking with an attorney, no matter what an agent says. Anything you say or sign could be used against you later in any legal proceeding, including removal proceedings.
   
3. If you have valid federal immigration DOCUMENTS, carry them with you. For example, if you have a green card or a work permit that is not expired, always carry it with you. Don't carry a foreign passport or papers from another country, as these could be used against you in deportation proceedings. Never carry false documents or lie about your immigration status.
   
4. If law enforcement agents come to your home, you don't need to let them in unless they have a proper WARRANT signed by a judge. You don't need to open the door to see the warrant. You can slide a card under the door and, if they have a warrant, law enforcement agents can slide it under the door or hold it in the window to show it to you. ICE warrants for removal don't give immigration agents the right to enter your home unless you give them permission. Don't give them permission!
   
   NOTE: Judicial warrants are signed by judges and have the name of the court on them. ICE rarely has a judicial warrant. They might show you an immigration warrant instead-these usually say Department of Homeland Security on them and are usually signed by immigration officers. Do not accept an immigration warrant.
   
5. Do your best to document the details of any interaction with law enforcement. Take note of the types of uniforms they are wearing. If possible to do safely, record any interaction with video or audio.

NOTE: This information is not meant to serve as legal advice.

Download the Know Your Rights PDF