Know Your Rights: Balancing National Security with the Constitution
January 6, 2011
Recently, we have been contacted by Muslim Americans who have shared their apprehension concerning what they should do in the event they are visited by law enforcement agents at their home or place of work. Some have reported to us that their immigration status or even their citizenship application was used as leverage to coerce them to gather information. If you are contacted by law enforcement agencies, you should let them know that you would be happy to answer any questions they have in the presence of an attorney.
Our cooperation with law enforcement is promoted by our love for country and Islamic obligation to protect our country. We still need to take precautions as individuals when asked to conduct interviews with law enforcement. Even the President of the United States calls his lawyers when questioned by the Department of Justice. President Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton did just that. We are no different in terms of our civic duty along with our civil rights.
The ACLU has a series of “Know Your Rights” pamphlets that we encourage you to read. Another important resource is Muslim Advocates, which provide four simple steps to protect yourself and your family (PDF file).
Watch the Muslim Advocates' "Got Rights?" video. It provides crucial information about how to handle contact from law enforcement officials.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the MPAC office at 213-383-3443.
-- Aziza Hasan (aziza@mpac.org)
Director of Southern California Government Relations
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