Know Your Rights

Every person in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has legal rights. Knowing and exercising these rights can protect you and your family in difficult situations.

All persons regardless of immigration status have certain basic rights

  • You have the right to remain silent. 

  • You have the right to speak with an attorney. 

  • You have the right to protections against discrimination. 

  • If law enforcement/ICE shows up at your house, you have the right to not open your door. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door. It has to be signed by a judge and have your name and address. 

  • Never carry false documentation with you (it is a crime). 

  • If you are stopped or detained, state your name and date of birth.

  • DO NOT sign anything! Talk to an attorney first. 

  • Immediate Steps if Your Loved One is Detained

    1. Ask for Their A-Number (A#)

    • This 9-digit number is assigned by ICE upon arrest.

    • If your loved one filed an immigration application before, they may already have an A# on their documents.

    • If they were arrested at the border and allowed to enter, they may also have an A# in their immigration paperwork.

    2. Locate Your Loved One in Detention

    3. Contacting/Visiting Your Loved One

    • Once located, call the facility to ask about:

      • Scheduling calls or visits (some may offer video visits only).

      • Setting up a phone account so they can call you.

      • Sending money for basic necessities or commissary purchases.

    4. Report Immigration Raids

    • Document what happened as soon as possible.

    5. Gather Immigration and Criminal Records

    • Collect any prior immigration applications, receipts, and court documents.

    • Obtain police reports, charging documents, and sentencing records if applicable.

    6. Find Immigration Court Information

    Will My Loved One Have a Court Hearing?

    Who Does NOT Have a Right to a Hearing?
    The following individuals may be deported without a hearing:

    • Outstanding Removal Orders: Individuals previously ordered removed for missing court, losing a case, or being ineligible for a hearing.

    • Prior Deportations: Those deported before (including expedited border removals) may be removed without a hearing.

    • Aggravated Felony Convictions: Noncitizens with these convictions who lack lawful status may face removal without a hearing.

    • Expedited Removal Orders: Individuals detained at or near the border may be deported unless they express a fear of returning to their home country and pass a Credible Fear Interview (CFI).

    If your loved one fears returning to their country, they should tell every immigration official they meet.

    Who DOES Have a Right to a Hearing?

    • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

    • Undocumented individuals residing in the U.S.

    Notice to Appear (NTA):

    • ICE will issue an NTA to begin formal removal proceedings.

    • The hearing date on the NTA is often incorrect — check the court portal for updates.

    • Detained individuals typically have a hearing scheduled within 2-4 weeks.

    What to Expect at Court:

    • Removal cases often involve multiple hearings.

    • If your loved one requests more time to find an attorney, judges typically schedule a new hearing in 2-3 weeks.

    • Immediate removal at the first hearing is rare unless someone agrees to it.

    How to Attend a Hearing:

    • For the Chicago Immigration Court, visit their website for details.

    • Detained hearings are usually held via videoconference.

    Can My Loved One Be Released on Bond?

    Who is NOT Eligible for Bond?

    • Noncitizens with:

      • Outstanding removal orders.

      • Prior deportations.

      • Aggravated felony convictions.

    • Noncitizens subject to mandatory detention due to certain criminal convictions.

    Who MAY Be Eligible for Bond?

    • Other detained noncitizens in removal proceedings may request a bond hearing.

    • Since bond hearings are generally allowed only once, it’s best to:

      • Hire an attorney.

      • Request extra time at the initial hearing to gather letters of support and other evidence.

    Finding an Attorney or Representative

    • Find an attorney listed on our legal resources page by clicking here.

    Source: Know Your Rights: What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained | National Immigrant Justice Center

  • If you are in immigration proceedings and facing deportation, it is important to know what to expect and how to prepare for your hearings.

    Find helpful information about the immigration court process, your rights, options for relief, and tips to prepare your case by clicking here.

    Or if you or someone you know has an immigration hearing scheduled, read this flyer carefully to prepare and make sure to hire an immigration attorney.

  • Click here to find the ACLU’s guide on what places of worship need to know when responding to ICE Encounters.

  • It's crucial to minimize unnecessary interactions with law enforcement by strictly following all legal requirements. This includes keeping your license plates up to date, maintaining valid auto insurance, and ensuring you have either a driver's license or a driving privilege card when operating a vehicle.

    For those ineligible for a traditional driver's license, a driving privilege card provides a legal alternative for operating a vehicle, helping to prevent legal complications from driving without proper documentation.

    To learn more about obtaining a driving privilege card, visit Adult Original Driving Privilege Card (DPC) | DPS – Driver License

    Download our one-pager to learn the difference between the regular driver’s license and the driving privilege card by clicking HERE.

  • Starting April 11, 2025, the government will start using an old law in new ways. Some noncitizens in the U.S. must now fill out a new form (G-325R) and give their fingerprints. If they don’t register, update their address, or leave when asked, they could face fines, jail, or other actions.

    To find out more about this registration, visit Informed Immigrant’s resource library on this new registration requirement by clicking here.

    Before registering, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney about your situation. You can find an attorney on our resource guide by clicking here.

    You can also read this resource from AILA that explains what the registration is as well as the consequences of registering v. not registering.

  • If you would like to download and print “Know Your Rights” cards, click here! Available in multiple languages.

    Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out the National Immigration Law Center’s resource page for more by clicking here.

What Warrant Does ICE Need to Enter My Home?

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