You Have Rights.
All individuals in the United States have rights, regardless of immigration status.
Your rights
at home and work
Everyone living in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution. It’s important to know, assert, and protect these rights.​
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Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to speak to immigration officers. You have the right to remain silent and speak to a lawyer.
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Do Not Open Your Door: Unless they have a valid warrant, you are not obligated to let officers into your home.
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Right to Legal Counsel: Always consult a lawyer before signing any documents. Call a trusted attorney or organization like NIJC.
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Carry Valid Documents: Keep any valid immigration documents with you at all times.
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The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
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Resources
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A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace
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What to Do if ICE Comes to Your Workplace: English, Español, from National Day Laborer Organizing Network
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Things You Should Know About Proving Your Work Status to Your Employer: I-9 Audits and Document Abuse from Legal Aid at Work (LAAW)
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DACA and Your Workplace Rights: English, Español from National Immigration Law Center (NILC), ALC, ASPIRE, United We Dream
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Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE) post-election updates from NILC
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U-Visa Frequently Asked Questions from NILC
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Watch a video explainer from We Have Rights: Inside our homes in English, Español​
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If you have family members or children make a plan. Here is a resource on how you can stay prepared.
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Justice for Migrant Women: Advocacy and resources for immigrant workers facing exploitation.
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Centro Legal de la Raza: Legal assistance for housing and employment rights.
Finding an attorney
The immigration court system does not guarantee you a free lawyer if you cannot afford one. If you don’t have an immigration attorney or Board Accredited Representative, ask the immigration judge for time to find one. It may take time to secure assistance, so contact several offices at once.
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Beware of fraud. Notarios are not always lawyers in the U.S. and may not be qualified to represent you. Immigration law is complex, so choose a practitioner experienced in this field. Check with your state bar association or the DOJ’s list of disciplined immigration practitioners to ensure they are in good standing: DOJ Disciplined Practitioners List.
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Below is a list of resources for finding an attorney or representative.​
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National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC): For detained individuals or those inquiring about someone in detention, call the NIJC Detention Project at (773) 672-6599 on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Detained immigrants can call collect at (312) 583-9721 or use the pro bono platform with code 565. Visit immigrantjustice.org/contact-us.
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Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA): MIDA provides free legal services to eligible detained immigrants through partners like NIJC, The Resurrection Project (TRP), The Immigration Project (TIP), and the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender (CCPD). A MIDA representative might be available at your first hearing, but availability is not guaranteed. Learn more at immigrantjustice.org/midwest-immigrant-defenders-alliance.
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Immigrant Welcome Center (Indianapolis): Offers immigrant support services, including guidance on legal matters and referrals to local resources.
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Website: immigrantwelcomecenter.org
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Immigration Court’s list of free attorneys and representatives.
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Ready To Stay: Find Legal Help Tool
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Catholic Charities: Indianapolis serves any person in need of services, regardless of their religious, social or economic background, in central Indiana.
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Mariposa Legal: Provides legal representation for detained Indiana residents, conducts know-your-rights presentations, and advocates for individuals with mental health challenges in immigration courts. They also document human rights violations to promote accountability.
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Indiana Legal Services – Immigrants' and Language Rights Center
Indiana Legal Services (ILS): is a nonprofit law firm offering legal assistance to low-income individuals across Indiana. The Immigrants' and Language Rights Center (ILRC) focuses on supporting vulnerable immigrant and limited English proficient populations through direct legal representation on immigration and language access issues. -
The LUM Immigration Clinic offers confidential legal services to low-income immigrants in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, focusing on humanitarian, family immigration, and naturalization cases. As a USDOJ-recognized provider and CLINIC member, they assist vulnerable individuals navigating complex immigration processes.​​
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Su Casa de Amistad (South Bend): Provides assistance and legal support for immigrants in Northern Indiana.
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Coalition for Our Immigrant Neighbors (COIN): Connects immigrants with legal and other critical resources in Central Indiana.
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Emergency Resources
National Immigration Detention Hotline:
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Phone: (209) 757-3733
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Purpose: Free hotline for detained immigrants to report abuse or request help finding a legal representative.
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National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) Detention Project:
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Phone: (773) 672-6599 (Tuesdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST)
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Detained immigrants can call collect: (312) 583-9721
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Purpose: Assistance for detained immigrants in Indiana.
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United We Dream Hotline (Migra Watch):
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Phone: 1-844-363-1423
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Purpose: Report ICE raids or enforcement activities.
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Coalition for Immigrant Rights Enforcement Support (I-CARE):
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Phone: (317) 920-2300
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Purpose: Assistance with reporting immigration issues or connecting with legal resources.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline (Bilingual):
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Phone: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
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Purpose: Support for survivors of domestic violence, including undocumented individuals.
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Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services:
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Phone: (317) 236-1500
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Purpose: Assistance for immigrants and refugees in emergencies.
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Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis
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Helpline: (317) 808-2326
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Offers interpretation and legal referrals.
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Find a detained loved one through the ICE Locator Tool.
Safety Plan Checklist
It’s important to be prepared in case of interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Follow these steps to protect yourself and your family:
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Know Your Rights:It’s essential to understand your rights in case of immigration enforcement. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Do not sign anything without first consulting legal counsel, and remember, you are not obligated to open your door without a warrant signed by a judge.
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Prepare Important Documents: Ensure that all critical documents, such as birth certificates, immigration papers, passports, and legal records, are stored securely and are easily accessible. Keep copies with a trusted person or attorney.
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Keep A Notebook with Emergency Contacts: Write down or better yet, memorize key phone numbers, including those of your attorney and trusted friends or family members who can assist you. Share your plan with them so they know how to act if an emergency arises.
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Plan for Your Family: If you have children or dependents, arrange for someone you trust to care for them if you are detained. Ensure they have access to school or medical records and are aware of your emergency plan. Learn more about making a plan here.
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Financial and Property Arrangements: Designate a trusted person with a financial power of attorney (POA) to manage bills, accounts, and property in your absence. Secure key documents and set up automatic payments or shared account access as needed. For specific guidance, consult Indiana Legal Services or others (listed above).