Know Your Rights

Your Rights — No Matter Your Citizenship Status

  • You have the right not to open the door to immigration or law enforcement agents unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge. Opening the door may be considered consent to enter.

  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions from immigration agents or police, and anything you say can be used against you.

  • You have the right to speak with a lawyer before signing any documents. Signing forms without legal advice can affect your rights, including the right to a hearing or to remain in the country.

  • You have the right to ask, “Am I free to leave?” If the officer says yes, you can calmly walk away. If they say no, you are being detained and have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer.

Helpful Phrases to Use

These can be used by anyone — citizen or not — when interacting with immigration or law enforcement officers:

“I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.”

“I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.”

“I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights. I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”

Report ICE Activity

If you want to report suspected ICE activity, you can contact Siembra NC:
336-543-0353 (call or text)

You can also learn how to verify ICE presence here.
Please avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, especially on social media.