Noncitizens

Know Your Rights for Noncitizens

What to Do if You’re Stopped by Police, Immigration Agents (ICE), or the FBI. (Source: ACLU)

YOUR RIGHTS

Regardless of immigration status, you have constitutional rights.
You have the right to remain silent. To exercise this right, say so out loud.
You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car, or your home.
If you are arrested, you have the right to an attorney. Ask for one immediately, and exercise your right to remain silent until your attorney arrives.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Do stay calm and polite.
Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
Do not lie or give false documents.
Do remember the details of the encounter.
Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.

IF YOU ARE QUESTIONED ABOUT YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS

You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or any other officials. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports, and for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. If you are over 18, carry your immigration documents with you at all times. If you do not have immigration papers, say you want to remain silent.
Do not lie about your citizenship status or provide fake documents.

Additional Resources

Includes Know Your Rights, Detention Resources, Raids Resources, Secured Communities Resources, and a Deportation Manual

ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project