Know Your Rights: Immigration Rights & Resources 101

Legal Disclaimer: This document is for general informational purposes only. Its contents are not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.

• You do not have to open the door
  • ICE does not have the right to enter your home without a valid warrant signed by a judge with your specific and correct name and address on it. You can ask for their identification through a window, and you have the right to ask for an explanation as to why they are at your home.
• You do not have to answer any questions
  • The 5th Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions about your immigration status, place of birth, or criminal history.
• You do not have to sign anything
  • You do not have to sign any documents without speaking to an attorney.
• You have the right to speak with an attorney
  • You have the right to speak to a lawyer and the right to make a phone call. If you are detained, ICE does not provide attorneys, so try to consult one in advance.
• Take Action
  • If an ICE officer is violating your rights (or you witness this occurring), record their badge number and patrol car. Take pictures if needed.

Be Prepared!

• Identify trusted immigration legal services providers in your area.
• Compile and memorize emergency contact information consisting of family members, lawyers, etc. 
• Create a folder of critical documents and let a trusted individual be aware of its location.
• Make a family plan. Identify an emergency caretaker for your children.

Additional Resources: 

• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Memphis Field Office handles all immigration and naturalization related matters for Western TN. You can contact their office at (901) 820-2450. For more information, click here.
• The Tennessee Department of Health’s Immigrant and Refugee Outreach program provides health-related resources and toolkits tailored for immigrant and refugee communities. Services include mental health support, family health history tools, and community engagement initiatives. You can contact their office at (615) 741-3111. For more information, click here.