Know your rights - Protect yourself and your loved ones

Do not open the door

• If you open the door and allow the official to come into the house, this may be considered giving him/her “consent” to enter.
• You have the right to see a warrant. Ask the officer to slip the warrant underneath the door or to show it through the window
• The warrant must be signed by a judge, giving the officer permission to enter your home. You are only required to open the door if the warrant has your correct information, a valid date and is signed by a judge!

Remain calm and silent

• Anything you say or do can be used against you. Remain calm (do not yell, fight, or try to run) and remain silent.
• Do not answer any questions, and ask to speak with an attorney.
• Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself.

Do not sign anything

• Do not sign anything that ICE gives to you without an immigration attorney reviewing it. Ask to have documents translated.

Stay calm and do not run

• Running may be viewed as an admission that you have something to hide.
• Do NOT answer any question and ask to “speak to a lawyer.”
• Say aloud “I do not consent to a search” and encourage others to do the same. If ICE agents try to search the property, bags, or the pockets of someone at the work site, this could be challenged later in court.

Prepare your coworkers

• If agents want to question your coworkers, they should ask “am I free to go?”
• If the agents say no, workers should say: “I want to remain silent and want to speak with an immigration lawyer.”
• Workers should not answer any questions about where they were born, immigration status, or immigration or criminal history.

Prepare your workplace if possible

• If possible, talk with your coworkers and inform them of their rights –especially their right to remain silent if questioned. Make sure everyone knows how to react if ICE shows up at work.

Cooperate but do not give unnecessary information

• Stop your vehicle and turn on the emergency lights. Slowly lower the window and place your hands in a visible location.
• Show your license*, registration, and proof of insurance upon an officer’s request. If you don’t have a driver’s license do not show any false documents.
• Do not answer any questions related to your immigration status or about your country of origin.
• You have the right to remain silent if you choose to. You may say: “I want to exercise my right to remain silent” and “I want to speak with a lawyer.”
• If the officer asks for permission to search your vehicle, you have the right to not consent to any search. Say: “I do not consent to any search.” The officer cannot search your vehicle without a proper warrant from a judge, unless there is reasonable suspicion.

Watch out for border patrol

• Border Patrol can pull you over if they have reasonable suspicion of an immigration violation or a crime, and they may ask questions about your immigration status.
• They should not use race or ethnicity as a reason to stop you, so if you believe this is happening, make sure you document it.
• Border Patrol can continue to detain you to inquire about your immigration status, but they cannot force you to speak or to sign anything.
• Border Patrol checkpoints may exist within 100 miles of any U.S. border, including airports. Note that Florida shores are part of the U.S. border, and the Border Patrol can act anywhere in the state.

Decline to answer

• Recent Florida law requires most hospitals and ERs to ask your immigration status; you’re NOT required to answer this question 
• Hospitals and ERs should NOT report your personal information to immigration authorities.

Receive the care you need

• Everyone has the right to seek emergency care, regardless of immigration status
• You do not need to share any information about your immigration status, unless you apply for Medicaid, Emergency Medicaid, or other health coverage for yourself.

Do no sign any document

• Agents may try to intimidate you or trick you into signing documents. 
• DO NOT let yourself be tricked. You may be signing away your right to a hearing before an immigration judge!
• Ask to talk to an immigration lawyer and only sign documents after receiving appropriate counsel.

Develop an emergency plan with your family

• Create a family preparedness plan so you have important documents and contacts handy if you need them.
• Always carry a physical card or paper with your loved one’s phone number with you so you can contact them if needed.
• Find out who arrested you (Police Department, FBI, ICE), write down agents’ identification number, and license plate number.
• Contact your attorney and your consulate as soon as possible.
• Ask for bond, as well as for a “Notice to Appear”