Immigrants’ Rights

The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person, regardless of immigration status. When the government has the power to deny legal rights and due process to immigrants, all of our rights are at risk. The ACLU of RI works actively to expand and enforce the rights of immigrants and to combat discrimination against them.

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Explore our work protecting immigrants' rights through litigation, advocacy, and education.

Find information about your rights when interacting with immigration agents on our Know Your Rights page.

During the Rhode Island Legislative Session, from January to June, you can take action on legislation to support immigrants' rights and oppose anti-immigrant legislation. Find more up-to-date information here.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What to Do if You're Stopped by Police, Immigration or the FBI

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights!
News & Commentary
Yellow background with brown and blue colored images of a house roof, and a mother with her small child walking up to a front door.

Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful Housing Grant Restrictions

Rhode Island judge grants temporary restraining order in federal housing funding case.
News & Commentary
Yellow background with brown and blue colored images of a house roof, and a mother with her small child walking up to a front door.

New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration’s Targeted Punishment of Applicants for Federal Housing Funding

The National Alliance to End Homelessness and Women's Development Corporation, a Rhode Island organization that develops affordable housing, file suit in Rhode Island
Know Your Rights
Dark red and pink photo of someone recording on a phone

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What You Can Do as a Bystander During Immigration Enforcement Actions

It’s easy to freeze when you see immigration agents (ICE) detaining someone, especially if the officers are acting quickly or aggressively. This FAQ is intended to give some suggested actions you can take as a bystander in this situation.
Court Case
Sep 23, 2025

Orellana v. Moniz, et al.

This is a class action lawsuit filed by the ACLU of MA and other partners in federal court to challenge the widespread denial of bond hearings to people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The result of this lawsuit may affect Rhode Islanders. The denial of bond hearings is a violation of statutory and constitutional rights, upending decades of settled law and established practice in immigration proceedings. For more information, please visit the ACLU of MA's website, or contact them at [email protected].
Court Case
Sep 14, 2025

National Alliance to End Homelessness v. Scott Turner, et al.

This case suit challenges new funding restrictions on federal housing grants. Under the new funding application rules, service providers and communities are blocked from applying for federal housing funds for new permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness if they operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump-Vance administration disfavors. This includes cities and states, like Rhode Island, that the Trump Administration deems to be “sanctuary protections” for immigrants; that provide services considered “harm reduction” services for drug users; and that have inclusive policies for transgender people.  
Court Case
May 05, 2025

G.M.G. v. Trump et al.

This is an emergency lawsuit filed by the ACLU and ACLU of RI this morning in federal court to prevent the removal of a Venezuelan national from the country under President Trump’s recent proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act (AEA)
Court Case
May 15, 2020

Yanes et. al. v. ICE

This is a class-action lawsuit seeking the release of all ICE detainees being held at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls.