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

Below are tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights. Scroll to the bottom of the page for PDF materials in ten languages. PDFs with an asterisk (*) means we have the language printed; contact us to request paper copies.

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights!

• You have the right to NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge.
• You have the right to NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS about your immigration status or what country you are from, when police, immigration agents, or any other officials ask.
• You have the right to REMAIN SILENT AND TO REFUSE TO CONSENT TO A SEARCH of yourself, your car or your home. Say “I wish to remain silent” and “I do not consent to a search” loud enough for the officers and any witnesses to hear you.
• You have the right to ASK FOR A LAWYER if you are arrested — do not answer questions until your lawyer is with you. You can refuse to sign documents without consulting with a lawyer.
• You have the right to ASK “AM I UNDER ARREST?” If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
• You have the right to RECEIVE DOCUMENTS IN A LANGUAGE YOU UNDERSTAND. If you do not understand English, ask for an interpreter.

Separate rules apply at international boarders and airports. For individuals on certain nonimmigrant vias, you may be required to answer questions about your immigration status.

We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. This webpage provides tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights.

This information is not intended as legal advice.