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Know Your Rights Toolkit

What to Do When Interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) & Other Law Enforcement

Understanding your rights is essential when engaging with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other law enforcement agencies. In recent years, immigration policies and enforcement have evolved, increasing the need for all individuals—regardless of immigration status—to be aware of their legal protections.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees multiple agencies involved in immigration enforcement, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and ICE. While law enforcement plays a critical role in ensuring public safety, it is just as important that individuals understand their constitutional rights and how to exercise them responsibly.

Every individual residing in the United States—citizens, permanent residents, students, and visa holders—is protected by the U.S. Constitution. This includes the right to due process and the freedom to engage in lawful, peaceful political activity. We encourage all individuals to report any credible threats to public safety to the appropriate authorities. However, it is equally vital to be informed of your rights should you have an encounter with law enforcement.

If you are approached by ICE, DHS, or any law enforcement officer, here are key rights you should remember:

01 | YOUR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT

If an immigration officer or law enforcement official approaches you—whether at home, work, school, or a place of worship—you have the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to answer any questions about your immigration status, travel history, or personal information unless you are under arrest. You also have the right to ask, “Am I being detained?” If not, you may leave.

Law enforcement should not ask you about your religious beliefs, political affiliations, or community involvement. If you feel uncomfortable, you may carry a “Know Your Rights” card that states your intention to remain silent and request legal representation.

You have the right to an attorney if questioned by law enforcement or immigration authorities—even if you are not a U.S. citizen. You are not required to respond to questions or sign any documents without a lawyer present. Providing incorrect or misleading information can be more harmful than refusing to answer.

If you are detained, you have the right to know the charges against you and to request a hearing before an immigration judge. ICE does not provide free legal representation, but you may ask for a list of pro bono attorneys or contact your country’s consulate for legal assistance.

03 | REQUEST A WARRANT BEFORE ALLOWING ENTRY

Law enforcement cannot enter your home, school, or place of worship without a valid warrant signed by a judge. If officers request entry, ask them to slide the warrant under the door for verification. A valid warrant should include your full name and other identifying details.

If officers do not have a signed judicial warrant, you are not obligated to allow them inside. You may inform them politely but firmly, “I do not consent to your entry.” You still have the right to remain silent.

04 | DOCUMENT AND REPORT INCIDENTS

If you have an encounter with ICE or law enforcement, document everything. Request identification from the officers and write down their names, badge numbers, and agency affiliation. If possible, record the interaction on your phone while remaining calm and non-confrontational.
If you or someone you know is detained or treated unfairly, contact an attorney immediately. You may also file a complaint with the relevant oversight agency to report any violations of your rights.

05 | CARRY IDENTIFICATION AND HAVE A SAFETY PLAN

Always carry valid identification, such as a driver’s license, green card, or work permit. Avoid carrying foreign documents that could be used to question your immigration status. By law, non-U.S. citizens must carry their immigration documents at all times.

Do not present false identification or forged documents. If asked for your immigration status, you have the right to decline to answer and request an attorney.

Additionally, create a safety plan:

  • Memorize key phone numbers of family members and attorneys.
  • Keep essential documents in a safe place.
  • Identify a trusted contact who can act on your behalf if needed.

Need Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs legal support or wants to report an incident, contact anyone on this resource list for resources and advocacy assistance.

1. Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

  • Mission: Enhances understanding of Islam, protects civil rights, promotes justice, and empowers American Muslims.
  • Services: Provides legal assistance to those facing discrimination or civil rights violations.​
  • Contact:

2. Muslim Advocates

  • Mission: Promotes justice and equity by advocating for civil rights and providing legal representation. 
  • Services: Offers legal support and advocacy, particularly in cases involving discrimination and civil liberties.​
  • Contact:

3. American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

  • Mission: Defends the rights of people of Arab descent and promotes their cultural heritage.
  • Services: Provides legal services, advocacy, and educational programs to combat discrimination.​
  • Contact:

4. Emgage Action

  • Mission: Empowers Muslim Americans through political literacy and civic engagement.​ 
  • Services: Advocates for policies that uphold civil rights and provides resources for political engagement.​
  • Contact:

5. Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA)

  • Mission: Defends civil rights and liberties of American Muslims at the federal level.​ 
  • Services: Provides funding for legal representation in cases involving civil rights violations.​
  • Contact:

6. National Immigration Legal Services Directory

7. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

  • Mission: Defends and preserves individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.​
  • Services: Provides legal assistance and advocacy on civil rights issues, including freedom of speech and assembly.​
  • Contact:

8. Palestine Legal

  • Mission: Protects the civil and constitutional rights of people in the U.S. who speak out for Palestinian freedom.​
  • Services: Offers legal advice, representation, and advocacy for activists and scholars facing suppression.​
  • Contact:

9. Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

  • Mission: Improves public understanding and policies impacting American Muslims by engaging with government, media, and communities.​ 
  • Services: Advocates for civil rights, policy reforms, and provides media training to empower American Muslims.​
  • Contact:

10. Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

  • Mission: Works with and educates immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people.​
  • Services: Provides legal training, educational materials, and advocacy to advance immigrant rights.​
  • Contact:

11. National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

  • Mission: Dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants and their families.​ 
  • Services: Engages in policy analysis, litigation, education, and advocacy to promote immigrants’ rights.
  • Contact:
    • Address: 3450 Wilshire Blvd., #108-62, Los Angeles, CA 90010​
    • Phone: (213) 639-3900​
    • Website: https://www.nilc.org/​

12. Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)

  • Mission: Promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a dedicated network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs.
  • Services:  

Legal Assistance – Helps immigrants, including Muslims, with asylum applications, deportation defense, family-based immigration, and citizenship.


Refugee & Asylum Support – Assists individuals fleeing persecution, including those from Muslim-majority countries.

  • Contact:

13. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

  • Mission: Advances the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, enhances the professional development of its members, and advocates for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy.​
  • Services: 

Legal Advocacy – AILA fights against discriminatory immigration policies that disproportionately impact Muslim immigrants, such as the Muslim travel ban and asylum restrictions.


Network of Immigration Attorneys – Connects individuals facing deportation or seeking asylum, with qualified immigration lawyers.

  • Contact:
    • Address: 1331 G Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005
    • Phone: (202) 507-7600​

Website: https://www.aila.org/​aila.org


📢 Your rights matter. Stay informed. Stay empowered.

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