CITIZENS AND NON-CITIZENS KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

While we support legal enforcement of immigration rules, citizens and non-citizens should know their rights when encountering law enforcement officers. 

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You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE A CARD with the following text TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

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Card text:

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution. I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door. I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights. I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

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Be also aware a warrant to enter your home must be signed by a federal judge.  “Administrative” warrants that look official are not valid.   

Templates of the card are available at IMMIGRANT LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER web site.