Know Your Rights

 

Protect yourself.  Protect your family.  Know your rights.

 

If you are approached by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), you have rights—no matter your status.

 

Hotlines (Keep these numbers handy):

MOIA Legal Support Hotline: 1-800-354-0365

Office for New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636

 

Golden Rules

  • 🚪 Do not open the door unless ICE shows a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

  • 🗣️ You have the right to remain silent.

  • ✍️ Do not sign anything without legal advice.

  • 📱 Memorize a hotline or lawyer’s number.

Your Basic Rights (Always Apply)

  • You do not have to answer questions about immigration status.

  • You can ask for an attorney before speaking.

  • You can say: “I do not consent to a search.”

  • You can record anything in public view, including police.

  • Stay calm, do not run, and never provide false documents.

Common Situations

If You Are Protesting

  • You have the right to assemble and speak.

  • No permit needed if you stay on sidewalks and don’t block traffic.

  • Police must treat protesters and counter-protesters equally.

  • You can record officers. They cannot delete your recordings.

  • If told to disperse: they must give clear instructions and a safe exit.

  • If stopped: ask, “Am I free to leave?”

If ICE Is at Your Door

  • Do not open the door. Speak through it.

  • Ask to see a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

  • Without one, you do not have to let them in.

  • Say nothing beyond: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

If ICE Enters Your Home

  • Say clearly: “I do not consent to this search.”

  • Say: “I do not want to speak with you.”

  • Do not lie or show false papers.

  • Mention if children or vulnerable people are present.

If ICE Is at Your Workplace

  • ICE can only enter public areas without a warrant.

  • To enter employee-only areas, they need a judge’s warrant or employer permission.

  • If questioned, say: “I do not consent to a search.”

  • You may remain silent and direct them to your employer.

If You Are Detained or Arrested

  • Say: “I am using my right to remain silent.”

  • Ask for a lawyer.

  • Do not sign papers without legal advice.

  • Request an interpreter if needed.

  • You have the right to call family or a lawyer.

  • Your lawyer and family can visit you.

Special Note: Border Zone

New York City is inside the 100-mile “border zone.”

  • You still have constitutional rights.

  • CBP may stop vehicles or board buses, but they cannot search or arrest you without probable cause.

  • U.S. citizens don’t need to carry proof of citizenship.

  • Immigrants with valid documents over age 18 must carry them.

  • If told you face “expedited removal,” say if you’ve been in the U.S. more than 2 years or seek asylum, and request a lawyer.

Make a Safety Plan

  • Choose a trusted contact and memorize their number.

  • Store important documents safely.

  • Arrange a standby guardian for your children.

 

The ACLU has long been the leading national resource for protecting constitutional rights. We encourage everyone to review their full Know Your Rights library here: aclu.org/know-your-rights.
 

For a full list of resources and downloadable materials, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/KYR-with-ICE_February-2025_English.pdf 

 

 

Need Help or Legal Support?

 

Free Legal Help in Queens

 

New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)

🌐 nyic.org
NYIC is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization representing 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups across New York State. NYIC’s mission is to unite immigrants, members, and allies to ensure all New Yorkers can thrive. They are fighting for a stronger New York where everyone is welcome, treated fairly, and given the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

 

Emerald Isle Immigration Center – Woodside

📍 59-26 Woodside Ave, Woodside, NY 11377
 📞 718-478-5502
 🌐 eiic.org

 

Legal Assistance Areas:

  • Adjustment of Status
  • Consular Processing
  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
  • Family-Based Petitions
  • Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

     

Types of Help:

  • Help completing forms
  • Filings with USCIS
     

 

Queens Legal Services – Jamaica

📍 89-00 Sutphin Blvd, 5th Floor, Jamaica, NY 11435
 📞 347-592-2200
 ✉️ staylor@qls.ls-nyc.org
 🌐 legalservicesnyc.org

 

Legal Assistance Areas:

  • Adjustment of Status
  • Asylum Applications
  • Consular Processing
  • Employment Authorization
  • Family-Based Petitions
  • Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Removal Hearings
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
  • T & U Visas
  • VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions
     

Types of Help:

  • Help completing forms
  • Filings with USCIS
  • Representation at Asylum Interviews
  • Representation in Immigration Court and BIA
  • Federal Court Appeals

     

HANAC Community Services – Astoria

📍 23-16 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102
 📞 347-774-8501
 ✉️ info@hanac.org
 🌐 hanac.org

 

Legal Assistance Areas:

  • Adjustment of Status
  • Consular Processing
  • DACA
  • Employment Authorization
  • Employment-Based Petitions
  • Family-Based Petitions
  • NACARA
  • Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Removal Hearings
  • T & U Visas
  • TPS
  • VAWA Petitions

     

Types of Help:

  • Help completing forms
  • Filings with USCIS
  • Representation in Immigration Court and BIA
  • Federal Court Appeals
     

 

MinKwon Center for Community Action – Flushing

📍 133-29 41st Ave, Suite 202, Flushing, NY 11355
 📞 718-460-5600
 ✉️ minkwon@minkwon.org
 🌐 minkwon.org

 

Legal Assistance Areas:

  • Adjustment of Status
  • Asylum Applications
  • DACA
  • Family-Based Petitions
  • Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
  • T & U Visas
  • TPS
  • VAWA Petitions

     

Types of Help:

  • Help completing forms
  • Filings with USCIS
  • Representation in Immigration Court

 

 

Sanctuary for Families – Kew Gardens

📍 126-02 82nd Ave, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
 📞 718-575-4500
 ✉️ info@sffny.org
 🌐 sanctuaryforfamilies.org

Legal Assistance Areas:

  • Adjustment of Status
  • Asylum Applications
  • Consular Processing
  • DACA
  • Employment Authorization
  • Habeas Corpus
  • Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Removal Hearings
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
  • T Visas
  • VAWA Petitions

     

Types of Help:

  • Help completing forms
  • Filings with USCIS
  • Representation at Asylum Interviews
  • Representation in Immigration Court and BIA
  • Federal Court Appeals