Know Your Rights Resources
As the state of American democracy rapidly shifts and ICE deportations rise across the nation, it is key for all individuals, especially those from immigrant communities, to know their rights under the law. This guide serves as a compilation of resources providing a thorough, comprehensive understanding of human rights and legal rights as it concerns immigration, deportation, and arrests.
Download printable Know Your Rights (KYR) posters from Muslims for Just Futures, available in 11 languages. The back of this poster includes a script and a general national number to report a raid and seek support.
Before an Arrest Can Happen…
…Know Your Rights
Regardless of immigration status, everyone is promised certain rights under the United States Constitution. The best possible way to protect oneself against a potential ICE raid is to know how your rights protects you and your community. Several key community organizations have published resources to help the public get familiar with their rights, available in multiple languages.
Best for: Know Your Rights At Home & On the Street, in Your Car, When ICE Lies to You, Documenting ICE Arrests, and from Detention.
Flyers available in 16 languages.
Best for: If law enforcement asks about immigration status, police or ICE arrive at your home, you need a lawyer, you’ve been detained near the border by Border Patrol, you’re detained while your case is underway, or you need to challenge a deportation order.
Best for: Afghan & Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders Arriving to the United States without attorney representation.
…Claim Your Rights
Red cards are physical markers that outline your rights against ICE and protect you in many situations, such as if ICE tries to enter your home. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides red cards in 19 languages that can be printed out from their website. If ICE comes to your home, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. Instead, slide the red card under the door or show it through a window.
…Create a Plan to Protect Your Rights
Design a Child Safety Plan
plan for another adult to care for your child(ren) in case of emergency
write down if your child has any medical conditions or takes any medications
make sure all of your children have passports
inform your family and emergency contacts as to where they can find you if you are detained by ICE
Seek Legal Support
The Immigration Advocates National Immigration Network Legal Services Directory has compiled a list of non-profits that provide free or low-cost immigration services.
Know How to Avoid Fraud When Seeking Legal Services
Remember, there are only two categories of people who can give legal advice in an immigration case:
Attorneys: Immigration law is federal law. Therefore, attorneys can be licensed in any state, but they must have a valid license and be in good standing with the state. An attorney’s credentials can be verified with the bar of the state in which they are licensed to practice.
DOJ Accredited Representatives: These are not attorneys, but individuals certified by the Department of Justice to work on immigration matters. These individuals must be affiliated with a non-profit that is recognized by the DOJ.
Download the Notifica App
The Notifica app is a great resource to have on hand if you are at risk of being arrested by ICE. Download the app and enter the contact information of those who you want to be notified if you were arrested. If you are stopped by ICE, press the emergency button on the app to notify your chosen contacts and to share your live location with them.
