Know Your Rights

Ask the officer: “Am I being detained?”

• If YES, ask: “Is there any reason why I am being detained?”
• If NO ANSWER, ask: “If I am not being detained, then am I free to go?”

You may give your name, BUT you are not required to answer any personal questions (e.g., background, family, or immigration status).

After giving your name, tell the officer: “I have a right to remain silent and I would like to speak with a lawyer.”

Ask the officer: “May I have your name and badge number please?”

• Understand clearly whom you are speaking with.

You may give your name, BUT you are not required to answer any personal questions (e.g., background, family, or immigration status).

After giving your name, tell the officer: “I have a right to remain silent and I would like to speak with a lawyer.”

• A very clear reason must be provided. 
• Police cannot search without a reason for their suspicion.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials may have the right to inspect BUT pay attention to any mistreatment.

• DO NOT OPEN YOUR HOUSE DOOR.
• IF YOU OPEN THE DOOR, you are inviting them in.
• ALWAYS ASK FOR A WARRANT and ask them to pass it to you under the door or through the glass of a window.
• Make sure you tell everyone in your home NOT TO OPEN the door to strangers or officers.
• If the warrant has your name, address, and is signed by a judicial judge, step out of the house and close the door behind you.