Know your rights.
A short, scannable guide to your constitutional rights if ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) comes to your door or stops you in public, plus verified hotlines and organizations to call. Save this page. Share it with people who need it.
Call a rapid-response network in Los Angeles.
- CHIRLA Hotline (LA) 1-888-624-4752
- National ACLU Helpline 212-549-2500
- United We Dream Hotline 1-844-363-1423
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center immdef.org/contact ↗
Your rights under the U.S. Constitution.
These apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status. Your rights don't depend on having papers.
If ICE comes to your door.
- Stay calm and keep the door closed.
- Ask through the door: "Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?"
- Ask them to slide the warrant under the door so you can see it.
- Check for the words "U.S. District Court" or a state court, and a judge's signature.
- If you choose to speak, say: "I want to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."
- Memorize the lawyer's number. Write it on your arm or keep it in your wallet.
- Don't open the door without seeing a judicial warrant.
- Don't give them permission to enter — verbal or written.
- Don't answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status.
- Don't lie or show false documents. Stay silent instead.
- Don't sign anything without a lawyer reviewing it.
How to tell the difference between warrants
An administrative warrant from ICE (Form I-200 or I-205) is not signed by a judge and does not give ICE the right to enter your home. A judicial warrant is signed by a federal or state judge and lists "U.S. District Court" or a court name. See ACLU's warrant guide ↗.
If you're stopped on the street.
- Stay calm. Don't run — running can be used against you.
- Ask: "Am I free to leave?" If yes, walk away calmly.
- If they say no, you have the right to remain silent. Say: "I want to remain silent."
- If you have a "Know Your Rights" red card, hand it to the officer instead of speaking.
- Record the encounter (audio or video) if you can do so safely.
- Don't answer questions about your immigration status.
- Don't carry false documents or anything that proves a different country of citizenship.
- Don't sign anything without a lawyer.
- Don't resist physically, even if you believe the stop is unjust.
If you're detained.
If ICE takes you into custody, the most important things are: ask for a lawyer, stay silent, don't sign anything.
- You have the right to make a phone call. Call your lawyer or a family member.
- You have the right to refuse to sign any document until a lawyer reviews it. Signing "voluntary departure" or "stipulated removal" forms can give up your right to a hearing.
- You have the right to a hearing in immigration court before being deported (with few exceptions).
- You can request a list of free or low-cost legal services at any ICE facility.
Get a "red card" ahead of time
Red cards are small, printable pocket cards (in English, Spanish, and other languages) that state your constitutional rights. You hand them to an officer instead of speaking. Download free red cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) ↗.
Trusted organizations.
These groups provide free or low-cost legal help, rapid-response networks, and verified resources. Click through to their websites for the most current contact info.