Know your rights (KYR)
Every person in the United States has constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status. Understanding these rights is essential.
KNOw your Rights TOolkit
These resources provide a toolkit for immigrant families to protect their rights and navigate potential legal interactions with confidence.
KYR Door Signs
You can also print a sign to put on your front door to communicate your rights and preferences without opening your door.
KYR cards
A Know Your Rights Card is a small wallet-sized card that you can download, print, complete, and keep with you to communicate your rights.
Attend a Know Your Rights training
Immigrant Justice at the Resurrection Project (TRP) hosts Know Your Rights trainings, both in-person and virtually, to ensure that communities are well-equipped to protect themselves and loved ones. Various trainings are available to help individuals, families, and organizations understand their rights and prepare for potential encounters with federal authorities. Each training provides clear tools and resources for learning and preparation.
(available in English & Spanish)
know what to do…
if you Encounter federal agents
As discussed in the resources linked below, if you find yourself interacting with an immigration officer in any location including your workplace, or out in the community, remember that
YOU SHOULD:
Remain calm and keep your hands where the officer can see them
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
Remain silent when questioned or arrested by immigration officers
NOT discuss your immigration or citizenship status with the police, immigration agents, or other officials
NOT sign anything you do not understand. Instead, state that you wish to speak with an attorney
Learn more about your rights if you encounter federal agents, including what to do in specific situations, like if you are in your car, outside, or if an immigration officer knocks on your door:
if you or a loved one are detained
If you believe you have witnessed I.C.E. activity or need support locating someone in I.C.E. custody, please call ICIRR’s Family Support Hotline:
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY
(1-855-435-7693)
If your loved one has been detained by I.C.E., and they live in Illinois, fill out The Resurrection Project’s Detained Loved One form and they will get back to you as soon as possible:
*available in English & Spanish
Learn what to do when someone is detained by immigration officials, including information about the immediate steps you or your family should take and information about the legal process:
This document is available in these languages:
if you are Traveling
Learn about your rights when encountering law enforcement at the airport:
If you are undocumented, learn more about your rights and protections if you are traveling within the United States:
Consider creating a Travel Emergency Preparedness Plan and sharing it with a trusted family member, friend, or attorney in case of an emergency.
if federal agents show up at immigration court
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) has started making arrests at immigration courts across the country.
If you have been in the United States for less than two years and are scheduled for court, the government may try to terminate or dismiss your case in immigration court removal proceedings to place you in a process called expedited removal.
Know that not attending your hearing could result in an “in absentia” deportation order. Seek a consultation with a qualified legal practitioner if you have not already had one.
Learn more about your rights at immigration court, including what you can do before and during your hearing if the government seeks to terminate proceedings:
Download the fact sheet on What to Know if You're Going to Immigration Court, Check-ins, or Intensive Supervision Program (ISAP):
