Know Your Rights Resources

Updated April 7, 2025

The following information is intended as guidance for use by the general public. For legal advice about your own situation, consult an attorney or authorized immigration representative at Catholic Immigration Services.

Know your rights when interacting with law enforcement. All people in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have constitutional rights and protections. Do not expect the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the police to help you know and exercise your rights. You are in charge of asserting them by showing your Know Your Rights card or by telling the officer(s) you are exercising your rights. Download this card and other helpful resources below.

Know Your Rights Card (PDF)
Guardianship Power of Attorney Form (PDF)
Go to Finances Power of Attorney Form (Legal Aid of Arkansas)
List of Immigration Attorneys (PDF)

If you need to speak with an authorized immigration representative at Catholic Immigration Services, call the office to make an appointment.

Call to make an appointment in Little Rock or Springdale.
Go to Summary of Rights.
Go to Related Resources.

Summary of Your Rights

The following information is also available to download in English or Spanish.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are stopped by ICE or the police:

You have rights that protect you and it is important that you remain calm. Staying calm will reduce the risk to yourself. Don't run, don't resist and don't obstruct their work.

You have the right to remain silent. You should state your name but you do not have to answer any questions without the presence of your legal representative. Show the officer your Know Your Rights card or tell the officer you are exercising your right to remain silent.
You have the right to refuse a search. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. State clearly that you do not consent, which may not stop the officer. An officer may pat you down above your clothes if they suspect, for example, you have weapons or drugs in your possession. If the officer proceeds to pat you down or conduct a full search, stay calm, do not resist the inspection, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. Stating your objection preserves your rights.
You should ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is “yes,” calmly, slowly, and quietly walk away. Do not run or speak. If they say “no,” do not walk or run away. Stay where you are.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If the officer tells you that you cannot walk away, and you are being detained, you should ask to speak to a lawyer and then remain silent. It is okay if you have not hired a lawyer; you still have the right to consult with one.
Do not tell the officer your country of nationality.
Do not answer questions, including where you were born or how you entered the U.S.
Do not sign paperwork.
Do not carry false documents and never lie about being a U.S. citizen.
Do not physically interfere with a search.

If you are stopped while driving:

Stop the car as soon as safely possible. After stopping, turn off the car, turn on an internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel.
If you are the driver, upon request of the officer, provide your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance if you have it. Passengers do not have to provide identification.
If the officer says they have a warrant, ask to see a copy and review the warrant. If there is no warrant, do not give consent to a search of the vehicle or a person.
Exercise your right to remain silent by showing your know your rights card or telling the officer you are exercising your right to remain silent. If you must speak, say you would like to speak to a lawyer before answering questions.

If you are confronted while in your home:

You do not have to open the door. Generally there are only two ways in which ICE or the police can lawfully enter your home: (1.) with your permission or the permission of someone in your home; or (2.) with a search warrant issued by a judge. Ask to see the warrant through the peephole or slide it under the door. The warrant must have the correct address and must be signed by a judge and not just the agency.
Do not invite any officer into your home.
If law enforcement has a valid warrant and enters your home, you can choose to remain silent. Exercise your right to remain silent by showing your know your rights card or telling the officer you are exercising your right to remain silent. If you must speak, say you would like to speak to a lawyer before answering questions.

If you are confronted while at work:

If ICE or the police come to your work, they generally must have a search warrant or the consent of your employer to search non-public areas.

You should ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is “yes,” calmly, slowly and quietly walk away. Do not run or speak. If they say “no,” do not walk or run away. Stay where you are.
You have the right to refuse a search. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings or provide proof of employment authorization. State clearly that you do not consent. Refusing consent may not stop the officer. If the officer proceeds to search your person or your belongings, stay calm, do not resist the inspection, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. Stating your objection preserves your rights.
You have the right to remain silent (same instructions as above).
You have the right to speak to a lawyer (same instructions as above).
You have the right to refuse to form a line. If officers tell you to form a line based on immigration status, you have the right to stay where you are or move to a place that is not designated for a particular group of employees. You can tell officers that you are invoking your right to remain silent. If you are forced to move, do not resist.

If you are arrested:

You have the right to obtain a lawyer. Do not explain, say, or sign anything, or make decisions before speaking with a lawyer.
You have the right to an interpreter and a translation. If you do not understand or cannot read the papers, say that you need an interpreter.
You have the right to contact your country’s consulate to tell them you have been detained.
Give your immigration number or “A-number” (9 digits) to your family to find you.

Related Resources

The following resources may also be helpful information.

Catholic Immigration Office Letter to Parishes

Read this letter sent by Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, director of Catholic Immigration Services for the Diocese of Little Rock, to pastors and parish staff members to assist them in serving the needs of their immigrant parishioners in Catholic parishes in Arkansas.

Bishop Appeals to the Heart on Immigration

Read Bishop Anthony B. Taylor's statement appealing to people of good will to do the right thing with regard to immigrants and minister to the "Spanish-speaking part of our body of Christ (who is) hurting and living in fear."

Welcome the Stranger: Immigrants and Refugees Under New Administration

Read this series from Arkansas Catholic featuring the stories of immigrants, refugees and the staff of Catholic Charities of Arkansas on how they are dealing with recent changes in federal immigration and refugee programs.

Pope Francis Letter to U.S. Bishops

Read this letter encouraging Catholic bishops in the United States in their efforts to minister to immigrants and refugees entrusted to their care.

I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: A Pastoral Letter on the Human Rights of Immigrants

Read this pastoral letter from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. It challenges us to open our minds and hearts to Christ's teachings as well as learn the plight of immigrants seeking a better life in the United States.

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