Know Your Rights
Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has certain basic constitutional rights. Knowing these rights helps protect you in many situations:
​
General Rights
-
Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions from immigration (ICE) or police beyond your name.
-
Right to Refuse Searches: Without a valid warrant, you can refuse searches of your home, car, or yourself.
-
Right to an Attorney: If detained, clearly say, "I want to speak to a lawyer."
​
At Home (ICE Visits)
-
Don't Open the Door: ICE can only enter with a judge-signed warrant. Ask agents to show it through a window or under the door.
-
Stay Silent: Don't answer questions about your immigration status or birthplace.
-
Don’t Sign or Give Documents: Refuse to sign any paperwork or hand over foreign documents without legal advice.
​
In Public or on the Street
-
Stay Calm & Silent: Provide your name if asked, but do not discuss your immigration status.
-
Carry U.S.-issued ID: If you have it, show it. Never use false documents or lie.
-
Don’t Run: Running away could be used against you.
-
Proof of Residence: If you've lived in the U.S. for over two years, carry evidence (e.g., utility bills, medical records).
​
At Work
-
Labor Rights: Undocumented workers have rights to minimum wage, overtime, safe conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
-
Workplace Raids: Stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and don't panic.
-
Reporting Abuse: Wage theft or unsafe conditions can be reported confidentially to state labor departments or immigrant worker centers.
​
At School
-
Public Education: Children have the right to attend public schools regardless of immigration status (Plyler v. Doe, 1982).
-
Enrollment: Schools cannot ask for Social Security numbers or immigration papers. Only proof of address and vaccinations are required.
-
Higher Education: Connecticut offers in-state tuition and some financial aid to qualifying undocumented students.
​
Public Spaces & Travel
-
Freedom to Gather: You have the right to peaceful protest and freedom from unlawful searches.
-
Recording Rights: You can legally record ICE or police in public spaces without interfering.
-
Border Areas: Within 100 miles of borders, Border Patrol may conduct checks. You still have the right to remain silent.
-
Travel ID: Carry valid U.S.-issued ID, if available. Avoid carrying documents from your home country.
​
Documents to Carry
-
Valid Documents: Carry U.S. immigration documents or proof of pending cases, if applicable.
-
Avoid Foreign IDs: Leave passports or foreign IDs at home to avoid rapid deportation risks. Carry local or state-issued IDs instead.
During ICE Raids (Work/Public)
-
Stay Silent: Do not sign anything. Calmly assert your right to silence and ask for a lawyer.
-
Bystander Actions: Witnesses can document agents' actions safely without intervening physically.