KNOW

YOUR

RIGHTS

KNOW

YOUR

RIGHTS

ILLINOIS COALITION FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS (ICIRR)

ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.

• In partnership with our member organizations, the Coalition:
• educates and organizes immigrant and refugee communities to assert their rights;
• promotes citizenship and civic participation; monitors, analyzes, and
• advocates on immigrant-related issues; and
• informs the general public about the contributions of immigrants and refugees.

​

FEDERAL POLICIES / PRIORITIES

LEARN ABOUT OUR RIGHTS

PREPARE SAFETY PLANS

REPORT INCIDENTS

IINFO

OVERVIEW/ GOALS

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

EDUCATE

• Welcoming City Ordinance
• Municipal IDs (CityKey)

• TRUST Act/Illinois Way Forward
• VOICES Act
• Immigrant Services Line Item
• Driver’s Licenses for All

• Executive orders and other major changes enabling more immigration enforcement

ILLINOIS TRUST ACT/ CHICAGO WELCOMING ORDINANCE

Under the Illinois TRUST Act and the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance, local police CANNOT

• Stop, arrest, or detain anyone based on their immigration status or an ICE warrant or hold
• Ask anyone about their immigration status or place of birth

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

ILLINOIS TRUST ACT/ CHICAGO WELCOMING ORDINANCE

Under the Illinois TRUST Act and the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance, local police CANNOT

• Assist ICE in immigration enforcement operations
• Give ICE access to anyone in police custody
• Transfer anyone to ICE
• Share information to help ICE pick someone up

EXCEPTION: If ICE agents have a federal criminal warrant

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

FEDERAL CHANGES:

RAID LOCATIONS

“Sensitive” locations that had been off limits for ICE can now be targets:

• Schools
• Houses of worship
• Medical facilities
• Shelters
• Child care facilities
• Social service agencies
• Courthouses

​

Deportation raids in workplaces are also likely to resume

​

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

FEDERAL CHANGES:

EXPEDITED REMOVAL

Homeland Security is expanding “expedited removal” to any undocumented persons anywhere in the US who cannot show that they have been present in the US for at least two years.

​

People subject to expedited removal can be deported without going through immigration court.

​

This change will very likely be challenged in court.

​

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

DACA CURRENTLY

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WILL VERY LIKELY TRY AGAIN TO END DACA

& OTHER PROTECTIONS!!

​

On January 17, 2025, a federal appeals court ruled that the Biden DACA regulations are illegal, but left in place protections for people who already have DACA. That ruling will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.

​

• USCIS will not grant new initial DACA applications
• For now, people with DACA can still renew the DACA and work permits and apply for advance parole
• People who do not have DACA can still submit applications--but USCIS cannot approve them.

YOUR RIGHTS!

The US Constitution guarantees basic rights to ALL of the people of the United States--regardless of immigration status

YOU HAVE RIGHTS

Regardless of your immigration status, you have the right to:

REMAIN SILENT

SPEAK WITH AND BE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY

BE SAFE IN YOUR OWN HOME

Anything you say can be used against you. If you have a KYR card you can use it!

In immigration court you need to find and pay for your own attorney.

Law enforcement cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

WHO DOES WHAT?

Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

Immigration Judges

Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Chicago

Police Department

Transportation Security Administration

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Customs and Border

Protection

Homeland

Security

Investigations

Focuses on safety of community residents in Chicago

Focuses on security of the traveling public in the US

Enforces immigration laws in the US.

Inspects at ports of entry and determines admissibility

Conducts investigations regarding immigration

POLICE / ICE

• Be on the lookout: Some ICE agents might identify themselves as police officers or might be wearing attire with the word POLICE written on it.

​

• You can ask law enforcement officers to clarify whether they are from the local police department or immigration.

​

LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THEIR BADGES AND UNIFORMS

WHAT TO DO

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT-- anything you say can be used against you.
• If you are stopped by police, state law allows the police to demand that you state your name and address. You are NOT REQUIRED TO SAY ANYTHING ELSE.
• If you are stopped by ICE or other federal agents, you are NOT REQUIRED to answer any questions.
• You can tell any law enforcement officer that you want to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer. The officers should stop questioning you.
• You can ask the officer if you are free to leave, or if you are under arrest.

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

WHAT TO DO

• DO carry valid documents of your immigration status (if you have any), such as a green card or work permit.
• If you do not have status, DO carry copies of documents that show that you have been living in the US for the past two years, such as
• government issued ID
• work, school, or medical records
• a signed lease, mortgage, or house contract
• mail received at your home address

These documents can help you avoid expedited removal and preserve your right to a court hearing if ICE arrests you!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

WHAT NOT TO DO

• DO NOT CARRY FALSE DOCUMENTS. Carrying false documents is a federal offense.
• DO NOT LIE. Tell law enforcement agents you want to remain silent. DON’T give explanations, excuses, or stories.
• You are NOT required to sign any document you don’t understand.
• DO NOT DISCUSS your immigration status with anyone other than your lawyer

AT YOUR HOME

• No one can enter a private area like your home without permission or a judicial warrant.

​

• If any law enforcement officers or ICE agents show up at your home, you have the right to demand that they show you their warrant.

​

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT NOT TO OPEN THE DOOR UNLESS YOU SEE THE WARRANT!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

AT YOUR HOME

• You can ask the officers/agents if they have a warrant. If they say they have one, you can ask them to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window so you can inspect it.

​

• If they try to force the door open: Take pictures and video, and write down their badge numbers and the license plate numbers of their cars.

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

JUDICIAL WARRANT

These orders allow ICE and law enforcement to enter non-public areas.

​

A warrant signed by a judge allows law enforcement officers to enter and search certain spaces, take certain items, or arrest a specific person named on the warrant.

​

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the warrant correctly identifies the places to be searched, including the address of your residency/business or the items that will be confiscated.

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

WARRANT SIGNED BY A JUDGE

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

WARRANT SIGNED BY A JUDGE

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

ADMINISTRATIVE IMMIGRATION WARRANT

​

• These orders do NOT require you to allow ICE to enter non-public areas.
• These orders are intended to authorize ICE agents to detain people suspected of breaking immigration laws.
• These orders are signed by an immigration officer and not by a judge.

IN YOUR CAR

• Don’t hang any objects from your rearview mirror or block your car windows or windshield with anything.

​

• Make sure all the lights in your car work.

​

• Keep your license plates, city sticker, and insurance up to date.

​

• Obey all traffic laws

IN YOUR CAR

• Carry a driver’s license, valid state ID, and/or work permit (if you have one).

​

• Do NOT carry any false/fraudulent documents that do not correspond to your identity.

​

​

IN YOUR CAR

If you are pulled over in a traffic stop:

You can ask if the officer is from the local police department or immigration. ICE agents often identify themselves as “police.”

If they are ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you do not need to answer any questions or provide any documentation before you speak with a lawyer.

​

IN YOUR CAR

If you are pulled over by police:

• If you are driving, you will need to provide your name, license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You can be arrested for driving without a valid license.

​

• Ask if you can park your car in a safe place or have a licensed driver take it away, to avoid towing or impoundment fees.

​

NOTE: Police do NOT need a warrant to search your car. Plan accordingly.

DRIVER’S LICENSES

If you live in Illinois, you can get a standard driver’s license or state ID if you have

• a Social Security number OR
• a valid visa OR
• proof of one year of residence in Illinois AND a passport or consular ID that is either current or within two years of expiration

License applicants must pass road, vision, and written tests.

Standard licenses can be used as IDs (but not for federal purposes)

​

For more information, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website, www.ilsos.gov

IN PUBLIC SPACES

• Anyone—including ICE agents--can enter a public area without permission
• Your presence in a public space alone does NOT give ICE the authority to stop, question, or arrest you.
• If you are stopped by an immigration agent, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions or show any documents. You can ask to speak with a lawyer.

Immigration

AT THE WORKPLACE

IMMIGRATION AGENTS NEED A WARRANT TO ENTER NON-PUBLIC SPACES AT YOUR WORKSITE. THEY DO NOT NEED A WARRANT TO BE IN PUBLIC SPACES.

Immigration

I-9 AUDITS

I-9 = Form to verify eligibility for employment in the US

​

If the reason of the ICE visit is an I-9 audit

• Employers must be given at least three business days to present the employee's I-9 form.
• If ICE does not give notice, they cannot immediately inspect I-9’s

​

Immigration

AT THE WORKPLACE

• If you work at a friendly location, ask your employer about setting up a plan in case of an ICE visit

​

• PLAN: A team should be trained to speak with ICE agents. The team can include the owner, a manager, a union steward, or other trusted people. The team would be responsible for
• asking ICE to show them the warrant
• checking if the warrant was issued by ICE or a judge
• if the warrant is not signed by a judge, informing ICE that they are not allowed to enter non-public areas
• contacting the employer’s lawyer
• contacting the local rapid response network or calling the ICIRR hotline.

​

Immigration

AT THE WORKPLACE

• Remain calm

​

• You have the right to remain silent.

​

• You can tell the officer that you want to speak to a lawyer.

Immigration

WHAT TO DO

AT THE WORKPLACE

• DO NOT RUN! This may be viewed as an admission that you have something to hide.

​

• You are NOT required to tell any immigration officer where you were born or your immigration status.

Immigration

WHAT NOT TO DO

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED

MEMORIZE KEY NUMBERS

• ID numbers, including your immigration A-number or a jail ID number. Usually these numbers will be written on a wristband.
• Phone numbers of people you will want to call. Jails and detention centers should allow you to make a phone call. You will very likely not have access to your cell phone with contact numbers.

​

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED

YOU CAN ASK TO SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY

You have the right to an attorney. Disclose your immigration status ONLY to your attorney. This includes a public defender.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• DO NOT LIE: Tell law enforcement agents you want to remain silent. DON’T give explanations, excuses, or stories.
• DO NOT claim to be a US citizen if you are not!
• YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SIGN any document that you don’t understand.
• DO NOT DISCUSS your immigration status with anyone other than your lawyer.
• DO NOT share your legal status with your cellmates.

​

FINDING SOMEONE IN DETENTION

To find someone who has been detained by ICE:

​

Go online to locator.ice.gov and find the person using:

• Name, birthdate and country of birth.
• If available use the A-number and country of birth.

COURT:

POLICE

Bond: Under the new SAFE-T Act, Illinois no longer requires people to pay a cash bond to get released. If you are arrested, a court will review the charges and the other circumstances in your case to determine whether you will be kept in custody or released.

​

Missed court date: If you miss a court date, the court can issue a warrant for your ARREST

COURT:

IMMIGRATION

Bond: You can be released from immigration detention only if you pay 100% of the bond. The person who pays must be a U.S. citizen. The bond is refundable. Some individuals, particularly those with certain criminal convictions, are not eligible for bond.

​

Missed court date: If you miss an immigration court date, the court can order your REMOVAL

​

​

PREPARE

USEFUL VOCABULARY

• I wish to exercise my right to remain silent. (Quiero ejercer mi derecho a permanecer en silencio.)
• I do not consent to your entry or search. (No le doy permiso para que entre y revise.)
• Please show me your warrant. (Por favor, muéstrame tu orden judicial)
• Am I free to leave? Am I under arrest? (¿Soy libre de irme? ¿Estoy bajo arresto?)
• I wish to make a phone call. (Quiero hacer una llamada telefónica.)
• I will not sign any document I do not understand. (No firmaré ningún documento que no entienda.)
• I wish to speak with a lawyer. (Quiero hablar con un abogado.)

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

• Have a plan in writing -- and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in different situations
• Choose a responsible person for the care of your children and property
• Have your documents ready AND in a safe place!
• MEMORIZE phone numbers for three family members or friends whom you can call.
• Carry a list of important phone numbers, including your consulate.
• GET INVOLVED with a local community organization!

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

Information to collect for household members

• Name
• Address
• Place and Date of Birth
• Work Place
• Work Place Address
• Work Schedule
• Work Phone
• Cell Phone

• Medical History
• Allergies
• Doctor
• Doctor’s Phone Number
• Doctor’s Address

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

Information to collect -- children

• Child’s Name
• Child’s Gender
• Favorite Toy
• Place and Date of Birth
• Citizenship
• Social Security Number
• Medical History
• Allergies
• Doctor
• Doctor’s Phone Number
• Doctor’s Address

• Babysitter Name
• Babysitter Phone Number
• Name of School
• School Address and Phone Number
• Grade
• Schedule
• Teacher’s Name
• Work Place
• Work Schedule
• Work Phone

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

Key Contacts

• Legal guardian or other responsible adult
• Lawyer
• Pastor or faith community leader
• Children’s teachers
• Landlord
• Doctors
• Community organization

​

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

Key Documents

• Identification
• Birth certificates
• Social Security numbers
• Passports
• Consular IDs
• Driver’s licenses/ State IDs
• Work IDs

​

​

• Medical
• Medical records
• Vaccination records
• Doctor’s name and address
• List of medications
• Allergies

​

HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN!

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

Key Documents

• Property
• Deeds / Mortgages
• Vehicle title and registration
• Insurance policies
• Bank account information
• Credit card information
• Retirement / investment account information
• Tax returns and records
• Powers of attorney

You can prepare a Letter of Guardianship for all of your children under the age of 18. The Temporary Guardianship letter is important to make sure your children are protected if ICE arrests you and your partner.

​

If the guardianship is for less than one year (365 days), the letter does not have to be done by a lawyer unless that is what you want to do.

​

For help with a temporary guardianship letter, you can contact

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services

(312) 332-1624

cvls.org

TEMPORARY LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP

REPORT ANY ISSUES TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT HOTLINE 1-855-435-7693!

POWERS OF ATTORNEY FOR PROPERTIES

You may want to get a power of attorney document if you have any properties in the United States and would like to leave a person in charge in case you would like that person to be responsible for your assets or if you would like your assets to be sold.

POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR PROPERTIES

If you have any questions about what will happen to your home and other property, or would like legal help writing a power of attorney letter, contact:

​

LEGAL AID CHICAGO

120 S. LaSalle

Chicago, IL 60603

(312) 341-1070

​

CHICAGO VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES

33 N. Dearborn St. #400

Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 332-1624

IMMIGRATION

LEGAL SERVICES

NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER

(312) 660-1370, immigrantjustice.org

​

IMMIGRANT LEGAL SUPPORT PROGRAM (coordinated by the Resurrection Project

trpimmigrantjustice.org

​

Visit our ICIRR webpage for a full list of

non-profit agencies providing immigration assistance: icirr.org/resources

​

Search for an immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): www.ailalawyer.com

WHEN SEEKING LEGAL HELP

“Notarios” are NOT attorneys

​

Seek help only from attorneys who specialize in the area in which you need help. Family law attorneys do not practice immigration law, and vice versa.

​

Ask to see a law license. NOTE: Immigration lawyers can be admitted in any state and still practice in Illinois

​

WHEN SEEKING LEGAL HELP

Be clear on the terms of assistance:

• What services will the attorney provide?
• What does the process involve, and what role will you play?
• How much will the services cost?

​

Get a written retainer/ contract

• Don’t sign anything you do not understand
• Ask questions if you are uncertain

​

Hold on to your original documents and keep them in a safe place

REPORT

RECORDING INTERACTIONS WITH POLICE/ICE

You have a right to film or photograph police officers in:

• Public places
• Your property

​

This right extends to all law enforcement, including local police, sheriff’s deputies, state police, or ICE agents

​

Law enforcement officers cannot confiscate or demand to view your digital photographs or video without a warrant.

HOW TO DOCUMENT A RAID

RECORDINGS BY AUDIO, VIDEO OR WRITTEN:

• How many agents were there
• Name of the agents
• The number found on the agents’ badges
• If the agents carried weapons and if they used them
• If the agents blocked the exits or if they limited the movement or activities of the employees.

• The license plate number of the vehicles
• All goods taken / registered
• The names of the people questioned
• The names of the people detained
• The names of the other witnesses
• Any detail regarding the use of intimidation or force by officers

RECORDING INTERACTIONS WITH POLICE/ICE

Do NOT interfere with the raid--not even if someone is arrested or if you see the ICE agents using force.

​

Instead try to record or otherwise document the incident as best as you can. Maintain a safe distance at least one step out of the agents’ reach.

​

You can shout know-your-rights information to the people being questioned or arrested.

SHARING UNCONFIRMED INFORMATION

• Do NOT share information that you see on social networks about raids. Many times the information is false, so sharing it further can cause panic in the community.

​

• Find out what is happening before sharing any information that might affect others negatively

​

• WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!

ILLINOIS EYES ON ICE

The Illinois Eyes on ICE Text Network is ICIRR's new text alert system around verified ICE activity, know-your-rights information, organizing and advocacy opportunities, and more!

​

icirr.org/eyesonice

IMMIGRATION

LEGAL SERVICES

NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER

(312) 660-1370, immigrantjustice.org

​

IMMIGRANT LEGAL SUPPORT PROGRAM (coordinated by the Resurrection Project

trpimmigrantjustice.org

​

Visit our ICIRR webpage for a full list of

non-profit agencies providing immigration assistance: icirr.org/resources

​

Search for an immigration attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): www.ailalawyer.com

RESOURCES

Find your consulate information:

www.embassypages.com/city/chicago

Immigrant Family Resource Program

icirr.org/ifrp

New Americans Initiative

icirr.org/nai

QUESTIONS?