Know Your Rights

What to do if approached by law enforcement

Don’t trust

If approached by law enforcement, remember that they generally do not have to be honest. In most situations, they can and will lie and trick you to further their investigation. They are trained to do so at the academy and on the job. If they are targeting you, your family, or friends, the safest thing is not to talk to them.

Don’t talk

If approached say, “Sorry, I can’t talk.” Then try to walk away, close the door, or turn away. Just ignore them. If you can’t get away or ignore them, invoke your constitutional rights by saying, “I’m going to remain silent and I want to see a lawyer.” Then just be quiet.

Don’t consent

If law enforcement wants to search anything say, “I do not consent to a search.” They may search you anyway but this may help you later. Never consent to a search.

What to do if approached by ICE

If approached by ICE, follow these simple rules to assert your rights. Everyone in the U.S. has constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status.

If ICE approaches you, say, “Sorry I can’t talk right now,” then try to leave or ignore them. ICE generally does not have to be honest. They are trained to lie and trick you to find their target. They often wear plainclothes or a vest that says “police.”

If ICE will not let you leave or ignore them, say: “I’m going to remain silent and want to see a lawyer,” then be quiet. If you can’t leave or ignore them, invoke your constitutional rights by saying, “I’m going to remain silent and want to see a lawyer.” Don’t lie, just be silent and don’t sign anything without a lawyer.

If ICE wants to search anything or enter any private space, including your home, say: “I do not consent to a search.” They may search you anyway but this can help you later. Never consent to a search.