Know Your Rights in Los Angeles: Immigration Encounters for Arab Community
Understanding your constitutional rights during immigration enforcement encounters
Quick Answer
Los Angeles County's Arab-American community should understand their constitutional rights during any encounter with immigration enforcement. These rights apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Los Angeles County's Arab-American community should understand their constitutional rights during any encounter with immigration enforcement. These rights apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
Rights Everyone Has
- •Right to remain silent
- •Right to not open your door without a warrant
- •Right to refuse consent to search
- •Right to speak with a lawyer
- •Right to not sign any documents you don't understand
At Your Home
• You do NOT have to open the door
• Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge
• A judicial warrant (not ICE administrative warrant) is required to enter
• You can speak through the door or slip a 'Know Your Rights' card under the door
• Do not lie but remember you have the right to remain silent
In Public or During Traffic Stops
- •Stay calm and don't run
- •Don't argue or physically resist
- •You can ask: 'Am I free to leave?'
- •If detained, state: 'I wish to remain silent and speak with a lawyer'
- •Don't answer questions about your birthplace or immigration status
- •Don't show fake documents
If You Are Arrested
- •State clearly: 'I wish to remain silent'
- •Don't sign anything without an attorney reviewing it
- •You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge
- •You have the right to contact your consulate
- •Memorize an emergency contact number
Prepare Your Family
• Memorize emergency contact numbers
• Know the location of important documents
• Designate a trusted person for your children
• Carry a 'Know Your Rights' card
• Keep copies of immigration documents in a safe place
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I have to answer questions about my immigration status?
A: No. You have the right to remain silent. You don't have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status.
Q:Can ICE arrest me at my workplace?
A: ICE can conduct workplace enforcement, but you still have rights. You can remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
Q:What if ICE has an arrest warrant for me?
A: An ICE administrative warrant (I-200) doesn't give them the right to enter your home without consent. A judicial warrant signed by a judge does.
Need Immigration Help?
If you or a family member needs immigration document assistance, contact our Arabic-speaking team.
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