All persons in the United States have constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent when questioned or arrested by immigration officers. Being stopped by immigration officers or other law enforcement can be frightening, but it’s important to stay calm.

• During any encounter with law enforcement, stay calm and do not run, argue, resist, or fight the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated or you are being treated unfairly. Keep your hands where police can see them, and let them know if you need to reach into a glove compartment or for a wallet to show your papers. Do not lie about your status or provide false documents.

• If you are pulled over in a traffic stop, ask if the officer is from the police department or immigration. Immigration officers often identify themselves as “police,” but they are not law enforcement officers. Ask if they are from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If they are immigration officers, follow guidelines on what information to provide.

• If you are a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status, show your passport, legal permanent resident card, work permit, or other documentation of your status. If you are over the age of 18, you should carry your papers with you at all times.

• If you are undocumented, you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with the police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.

• If an officer knocks on your door, do not open it. Teach your children not to open the door. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. ICE “warrants” are not signed by judges; they are ICE forms signed by ICE officers and do not grant authority to enter a home without the occupant's consent.

• If you are outdoors and think you see immigration officers nearby, move to a safe indoor space. If you are a U.S. citizen and feel safe to do so, record the activity with your phone or write down any relevant information about what you witness—always being careful not to interfere or obstruct the operation.

DO NOT post unverified information on social media. 

DO NOT interfere with the investigation or put yourself in harm’s way.

Although you are not a citizen, you still have important rights when interacting with law enforcement. ICE, HSI and CBP might not respect our rights, but they cannot take away our POWER. 

Use these resources to learn about your rights and express them in case you have an encounter with an immigration official.