Know Your Rights
From Congressman Shri Thanedar – Serving Michigan’s 13th District
In Michigan’s vibrant and diverse 13th District, we stand with our immigrant communities. No matter your immigration status, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution. This page is here to help you understand those rights and connect you with trustworthy resources.
This information should not be construed as legal advice. For such advice, consult an immigration attorney.
Your Constitutional Rights – No Matter Your Status
Every person in the U.S. has certain protections, regardless of whether you're a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, asylum seeker, undocumented individual, or on a temporary visa.
At Home
- You do not have to open the door unless officers show a signed warrant from a judge with your correct name and address.
- Ask to see the warrant before opening the door. You can have them slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.
- You can remain silent and do not have to let officers in without a proper warrant.
In Public or on the Street
- You have the right to remain silent. Say, “I choose to remain silent.”
- You may ask, “Am I free to go?” If the answer is yes, walk away calmly.
- Do not show false documents or provide fake information.
In Your Car
- If pulled over, provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance if requested.
- You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status.
- ICE cannot search your vehicle without consent or probable cause.
If You’re Stopped or Approached by ICE
- Stay calm. Do not run or argue.
- You have the right to remain silent. You can say:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.” - You do not have to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
- You do not have to share your country of origin or how you entered the U.S.
If ICE Visits Your Home, Job, or a Public Place
- At Home: Only let ICE in if they have a signed warrant from a judge. “ICE warrants” (Form I-200 or I-205) do not authorize entry.
- At Work or in Public: Ask if you are free to leave. If you are, do so quietly and calmly.
- If Detained: Ask to contact your attorney and loved ones. Do not sign or say anything without legal representation.
What You Can Do Now
- Create a safety plan with your family: Know who will take care of children, how to access important documents, and who to call in an emergency.
- Know your emergency contacts. Memorize the numbers of family, friends, or lawyers.
- Carry a Know Your Rights card (see links below) to show to law enforcement if you choose not to speak.
Community Resources & Legal Help
Michigan-Based Support
- Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
michiganimmigrant.org
Free legal aid, deportation defense support, DACA info, and multilingual KYR resources. - Immigrant Legal Resource Center
https://www.ilrc.org/resources/community/know-your-rights-toolkit
Resources for advocates and community members alike. - NALEO Immigration Policy Guides & Toolkits to Protect Communities & Data
https://naleo.org/immigrationresources/
Resources for immigrant families provide much-needed information about the DACA program.
National Resources
- ACLU – Immigrants’ Rights
aclu.org/immigrants-rights
Includes rights at the border, airport, and during ICE encounters. - Immigration Equality
immigrationequality.org
Specialized support for LGBTQ+ immigrants. - United We Dream
unitedwedream.org/know-your-rights
KYR flyers, emergency preparedness toolkits, and deportation defense. - Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
cliniclegal.org
KYR cards in 14 languages, outreach flyers, and law enforcement guides.
Print & Carry Know Your Rights Cards
Print and carry a card that states your rights. This card informs officials that you choose to remain silent and want to speak to a lawyer.
Download multilingual cards:
cliniclegal.org/know-your-rights-cards
Our Office Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one is facing immigration challenges or needs help navigating federal agencies, please contact our office.
Detroit Office
1011 Woodward Ave, Suite 1100
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 463-6220
Washington, D.C. Office
154 Cannon Office
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-5802
You can also submit a casework request at: https://thanedar.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency
Download This Resource Guide: https://thanedar.house.gov/download/know-your-rights-resource-guide