Know Your Rights Basics

Why This Matters

Knowing your rights reduces harm. In over 70% of wrongful detentions, people didn’t clearly assert legal protections they had. Learn them. Practice them. Teach others.

📍 These are based on U.S. law. Check local laws for any state-specific differences.
📚 Source: ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project – Detention and Due Process Reports, 2018–2020

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Your Core Rights

These are the most important rights to remember during an interaction with ICE or law enforcement:

• 🛑 You have the right to remain silent.
• 🚪 You do not have to open the door unless they show a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
• ❌ You have the right to refuse consent to a search of yourself, your phone, your bag, or your vehicle.
• 📷 You have the right to document public encounters, if it’s safe to do so.
• 🗣️ You have the right to ask: “Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”
• 🧾 You have the right to an attorney — and to not sign anything without one.

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What Counts as a Warrant?

✅ Judicial Warrant

• Signed by a judge
• Lists specific name, address, or location
• Required for ICE to enter a home or any private area
• Applies to enclosed spaces not accessible to the public

❌ Administrative Warrant

• Signed by ICE or DHS staff
• NOT valid for forced entry or arrest
• You are not required to comply

📸 Want to see the difference?
→ Search: "I-200 vs judicial warrant image"

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Home, Street, Vehicle, Transit

Location	Can they search without a warrant?	What to say
Home	No — must have a judicial warrant	“I do not consent to entry.”
Street	No — unless they have probable cause	“Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”
Vehicle	No — unless they have probable cause	“I do not consent to a search.”
Transit	No — unless a warrant or border power	“What law allows you to stop me here?”

⚠️ Some states require ID in “Stop-and-ID” zones.
→ Check this list to see if your state has one.

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How to Assert Your Rights

• Use clear, respectful language:

  “I’m choosing to remain silent.”
  “I do not consent to a search.”
  “I want to speak with a lawyer.”

• Never lie or present false documents.

• Stay calm. Don’t run, argue, or resist physically.

• Document the encounter if safe — or ask someone nearby to.

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Protecting Each Other

• 🪪 Carry a Know Your Rights card (also called Red Cards) in English and Spanish.
  → Can't buy one? Print a free version from ILRC’s KYR Cards or make your own on cardstock.
• 📱 Set up an emergency contact and memorize the number.
• 📝 Log what happened — date, time, location, officers, quotes.
• 🤐 Respect confidentiality. Do not post or share stories, locations, or photos without informed consent — even after the danger feels over.

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Sample Script if Approached at Home

“I do not consent to entry. Please slide any warrant under the door. I choose to remain silent and want a lawyer.”

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Emergency Contact Drill

1. Say: “I am remaining silent and asking for a lawyer.”
2. Call: [Write down or memorize a trusted number]
3. Repeat: “I do not consent to a search.”

If needed, write contact info on your arm with sharpie before actions.

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Summary

Knowing your rights is only the first step — practicing them in community builds power. Review these regularly. Teach your group. Carry tools. Stay calm.