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What to Do If Stopped by Police or Immigration: A Guide to Protecting Your Rights

AG Law Firm Jan. 24, 2025

Getting stopped by police or immigration officers can be an intimidating and stressful experience, especially for immigrants. Whether it happens on the street, during a traffic stop, or even at your home, it’s crucial to know your rights and how to handle the situation calmly and effectively. Knowing what to say—and what not to say—can protect you and your family from unnecessary complications.

At AG Law Firm, we believe that knowledge is power. In this guide, we’ll provide actionable steps, essential rights you need to understand, and practical tips for handling encounters with law enforcement or immigration officers in various scenarios.

Your Basic Rights When Stopped by Police or Immigration Officials

Regardless of your immigration status, you have fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution, including:

  1. The Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the country.

  2. The Right to Refuse Consent to a Search: Unless officers have a warrant, you are not required to let them search your home, car, or belongings.

  3. The Right to an Attorney: You have the right to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.

  4. The Right to Refuse Signing Documents: Do not sign anything without consulting an immigration attorney first.

  5. The Right to Walk Away (If You Are Not Under Arrest): Ask, “Am I free to go?” If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.

What to Do If Stopped in Different Scenarios

  1. If Stopped on the Street:

  1. Stay calm and be respectful.

  2. Ask if you are free to leave. If yes, walk away calmly.

  3. If detained, state that you wish to remain silent and ask for an attorney.

  4. Do not provide false documents or lie.

  5. If they frisk you, do not resist, but say, “I do not consent to this search.”

  1. If Stopped While Driving:

  1. Pull over safely and turn off your engine. Keep your hands visible on the wheel.

  2. Provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance if requested.

  3. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.

  4. If asked to step out of the car, comply calmly, but do not consent to a vehicle search.

  5. If arrested, remain silent and request an attorney.

  1. If Immigration Officers Come to Your Home:

  1. Do not open the door unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge.

  2. Ask them to slip the warrant under the door and review it carefully. If it’s an administrative ICE warrant (Form I-200 or I-205), it does not grant them permission to enter without consent.

  3. Stay calm and do not provide any information without consulting a lawyer.

  4. If they enter without permission, state, “I do not consent to this search.”

  5. Record the encounter if possible and take note of badge numbers and names.

  1. If Approached at Work:

  1. Remain calm and do not panic.

  2. Ask to see a warrant. If they don’t have one, they cannot enter private areas of the workplace.

  3. You have the right to remain silent and not sign any documents without legal advice.

  4. Contact an immigration attorney immediately if you are detained.

  1. What If You Don’t Speak English?

  1. You have the right to request an interpreter. Say, “I need an interpreter.”

  2. Carry a Know Your Rights card in your preferred language that states your right to remain silent and seek legal help.

  3. Do not sign anything you don’t understand, ask for an interpreter or legal assistance first. 

Example of a Know your rights Card

I am exercising my rights as outlined by the U.S. Constitution:

  1. I choose to remain silent.
    I will not answer any questions about my immigration status or anything else.

  2. I do not consent to this search.
    I do not give permission for you to enter my home, search my belongings, or question me without a warrant signed by a judge.

  3. I want to speak to an attorney.
    I will not sign anything or make decisions without consulting my lawyer.

Please respect my rights.

Do’s and Don’ts When Encountering Law Enforcement

Do’s:

  • Stay calm and polite at all times.

  • Ask if you are free to go before answering any questions.

  • Carry a “Know Your Rights” card and your attorney’s contact information.

  • Observe and document the interaction if possible.

  • Contact an immigration attorney immediately if detained.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t lie or provide false documents.

  • Don’t physically resist or run away.

  • Don’t answer questions about your immigration status without legal counsel.

  • Don’t sign anything without reviewing it with an attorney.

  • Don’t allow officers to search your belongings or home without a warrant.

Organizations That Can Help You

If you or someone you know needs assistance regarding encounters with police or immigration officers, these organizations offer legal help and resources:

  1. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

    • Website: www.aclu.org

    • Resources and legal support for immigrants’ rights.

  2. National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

    • Website: www.nilc.org

    • Advocacy and support for low-income immigrants.

  3. United We Dream

  4. Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

    • Website: www.ilrc.org

    • Legal guides and educational resources for immigrants.

  5. National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)

Being stopped by police or immigration officers can be stressful, but knowing your rights and how to respond can make all the difference. Staying calm, asserting your rights, and seeking legal help are essential steps to protecting yourself and your family. At AG Law Firm, we are committed to standing by you every step of the way and providing the legal guidance you need to navigate these situations with confidence.

If you have questions about your rights or need legal assistance, don’t wait—contact AG Law Firm today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your options and protect your future. Schedule a consultation now and take control of your immigration journey with confidence.