Know Your Rights

The Alliance for Immigrant Respect and Education offers 13 suggestions for people to remember when interacting with law enforcement or immigration enforcement.

1. Remember that anything you say can be used against you.
2. You have the right to remain silent. In Arkansas, you must state your real name.
3. If you wish to remain silent, say it out loud or show your Know Your Rights card to the officer/s.
4. Provide your state-issued, valid and unexpired ID or driver's license if asked by an immigration officer or police officer.
5. DO NOT show documents that prove your legal status in the United States unless you are about to be arrested. DO NOT carry or show false documents or documents from another country.
6. DO NOT lie to officers.
7. Memorize your attorney’s phone number. You have the right to speak with your attorney.
8. DO NOT run if you're in a raid or if you are approached by officers.
9. DO NOT physically fight back if you are being arrested or detained.
10. You have the right to refuse to sign anything before speaking with your attorney. DO NOT sign anything you do not understand.
11. If you are in police custody or detention, DO NOT discuss your immigration information or criminal history with ANYONE other than your attorney.
12. If you are questioned or in a raid, write down what happened in detail as soon as it is safe to do so. Tell your attorney and your support groups right away.
13. You have the right to record any suspicious activity. Be polite with the officers and DO NOT obstruct their operations. It is recommended that only U.S. citizens do this.