We have compiled several resources to help you understand your rights when interacting with various law enforcement officials and officers. It is important to be aware of your rights and the rights of fellow community members.
Know Your Rights Fliers from NWIRP
When the government arrests or tries to arrest someone, or when a government official or police officer "just wants to talk," every person in the United States has certain basic rights. These rights apply to everyone, regardless of citizenship. Be familiar with your rights, and help protect others by informing them of their rights with these fliers.
Know Your Rights Flier - English | Conozca Sus Derechos - Español
Know Your Rights Fliers from WAISN
Our partners at the Washington State Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) have put together the following know your rights fliers for community members which can be posted in any public or private space that serves community members.
Know Your Rights Flier - English | Conozca Sus Derechos - Español
Know Your Rights Packets from Mijente
Our partners at Mijente have put together an illustrated packet of information on the rights of community members and their loved ones.
Know Your Rights Packet - English | Conozca Sus Derechos - Español
National Immigration Law Center Pamphlet: Know Your Rights at Home and At Work
This pamphlet by the NILC in English and Spanish explains what community member rights are in regard to immigration raids, interactions with immigration officials, and more. Access the pamphlet in the languages below:
ACLU Know Your Rights Pamphlet
The American Civil Liberties Union created a very helpful pamphlet that addresses what rights you have when you are stopped, questioned, arrested, or searched by law enforcement officers. The booklet is for citizens and non-citizens, with information for non-citizens in a separate section. Please note that while this booklet is informative and accurate, it is not a substitute for legal advice. We've included links to this downloadable pamphlet in several languages below:
English | Arabic | Urdu | Farsi | Hindi | Punjabi | Somali | Español | Français
What to do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace
Our colleagues at the National Employment Law Project and the National Immigration Legal Center have developed this guide for employers on how they can prepare and respond to immigration enforcement actions at their workplaces. This guide might be helpful for you as additional background on the types of immigration enforcement actions that may occur and is also be a resource for you to share with employers you are in contact with.
WAISN has created fliers for workplaces on how to prepare for an ICE raid and how to respond in the case of a raid.
Workplace Raid Response - English | Workplace Raid Response - Español
New Community Rights with Police and Federal Immigration Authorities in Washington State
Washington State Legislature passed the Keep Washington Working Act to protect the rights of immigrant communities from unnecessary contact with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CBP (Customs and Border Patrol). The new law requires that police and jails change their practices and policies to ensure the privacy of all Washingtonians.
Your Rights Under the Keep Washington Working Act (English and Spanish)
Sanctuary Congregations and Harboring FAQ from the ACLU
The ACLU has put together this resource for anyone interested in learning more about the sanctuary movement, supporting immigrants in the faith community, and the potential consequences of harboring immigrants. Please note that this information is not legal advice and does not substitute for consultation with an attorney.
Advisory on the Immigration Risks of Legalized Marijuana
State laws legalizing marijuana provide important benefits, but, unfortunately, they also are a trap for unwary immigrants. Read the advisory here.
Safety Plan for Youth and Children from our Partners at Legal Counsel for Youth and Children
This safety plan is meant to aid families in preparing for the potential detainment or deportation of parents with children (children with or without status):
Read/Download the Spanish Safety Plan
Read/Download the Somali Safety Plan
How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Raids
This booklet from the Immigrant Defense Project details the latest trends in ICE arrests at homes, courthouses, and shelters. It outlines what to know and expect if ICE comes to your house, as well as what your legal rights are in that situation. It is available below in Spanish and English, and a shorter flier offering an overview of the booklet has been been translated into multiple languages including French, Punjabi, Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, and more - and is available at this link.
Guide for Detained Immigrants
This pamphlet has been prepared by Northwest Immigrant Rights Project to provide useful information to friends and family of detainees at the Northwest Detention Center and is available in English and Spanish.
External Resources
The following pages are great resources for community members interested in learning more about their rights or looking for legal services.
Washington Law Help provides Immigration resources in multiple languages.
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free civil legal services to low-income people.
Columbia Legal Services provides free civil legal services to people who are low-income or have special legal needs throughout Washington State.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services