Immigration & Law Enforcement

ON FOOT:

First, always ask the agents or police if you are free to go. If they say yes, you have an absolute right to remain silent and leave. If you do not want to talk to the agents or police, you may hand the agent your attorney’s card, or the Rights Card, and go. You have the absolute right not to answer any questions posed to you.
If the agents or police say that you are not free to go, you should give them your name. You do not have to give any other information, such as your address or immigration status.

AT YOUR HOME:

You do not have to open the door to any immigration agent or police officer unless they have a search warrant from a court.
If you do not want to let an agent or officer inside, do not open the door. Ask the agent or officer, through the door, if they have a search warrant from a court allowing them to search your home. You have a right to review the warrant.
If you live in someone else’s house, you still do not have to open the door unless the agents or police have a search warrant from a court.

IN YOUR CAR:

If immigration agents or police signal you to stop your car, you must pull over. Immigration agents may ask brief questions about your name, immigration status, nationality, and travel plans. You do not have to answer any questions other than giving your name and driver’s license.
Police officers may ask for your name, drivers license and vehicle registration. You should show these documents if you have them. You do not have to answer any other questions.
If an agent or officer asks to search your car, you may refuse to give him permission.
If an agent or officer questions a passenger, that person should ask if he or she has to answer. If the agent or officer says yes, the passenger has to give his or her name, but does not have to give any other information. The agent may ask you and your passenger to exit the car.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Be polite and calm.
Never lie or give false information to an immigration agent or police.
Do not carry false ID.
Carry the name and phone number of an immigration attorney who will take your calls.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED:

You do not have to answer any questions.
Give the name or card of your attorney to the agents, and ask to speak to your attorney. You also have a right to speak to your consulate.
If you do not have an attorney, ask for the list of free legal services for your area.
Ask for an interpreter if you do not fully understand what is being said.
Do not sign anything in a language you do not read.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS CONTACT:

ACLU of North Carolina

El Pueblo, Inc.

North Carolina Justice Center

FOR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS CONTACT:

NC Justice Immigration Legal Assistance Project

Catholic Social Ministries

Casa Guadalupe

International House

Legal Services of Southern Piedmont