Organizations across the WORC network offer these guidelines to understanding your rights whether you’re a permanent resident, U.S. citizen, or undocumented.
The WORC network is dedicated to protecting and empowering our communities. In light of current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, we’re encouraging WORC members and supporters to understand their rights. Below are some important top-line items to protect you and your loved ones. If you’d like more information, Western Native Voice put together a series of videos that dive deeper into rights.
In an email, Idaho Organization of Resource Councils encouraged their members to share the below list “with farm owners to pass along to their employees, restaurant owners, church leaders—essentially, everyone. Your efforts could help prevent someone from being separated from their family or, for many, from losing the only home they’ve ever known.” With reports of Native Americans being targeted by ICE, getting this information out to as many people as possible is critical.
IORC has also provided printable versions of your rights listed below to carry with you to show ICE agents.
Know Your Rights if you’re a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen
1) You have the right to remain silent – You do not have to answer questions from law enforcement or immigration officers. If you choose to remain silent, simply inform them politely.
2) You have the right to an attorney – If detained or questioned by authorities, you are entitled to legal counsel. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be assigned to you.
3) You do not have to open your door without a warrant – Officers need a valid warrant to enter your home. Without one, you are under no obligation to let them in.
4) You have the right to refuse a search without consent – You can refuse a search of your person or property unless there is a valid warrant.
5) Know your rights in detention – If detained, you must be informed of the charges against you and have the right to contact family or legal representation.
6) Carry identification – Carry both your driver’s license and tribal ID at all times. This is especially important if you are mistakenly identified as being from another country. These IDs can help clarify your identity and rights in case of questioning by law enforcement or immigration officers.
A continuación, esta una lista de “Conozca Sus Derechos” que le recomendamos que comparta con los mayordomos para que la transmitan a sus empleados, propietarios de restaurantes, líderes de iglesias y en definitiva, a todos. Sus esfuerzos podrían ayudar a evitar que alguien se separe de su familia o, en el caso de varios, que pierdan el único hogar que han conocido.
Conozca Sus Derechos
1) Tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio No tiene la obligación de responder a las preguntas de los agentes de policía o de inmigración. Si decide permanecer en silencio, simplemente infórmeselo de manera educada.
2) Tiene derecho a un abogado Si las autoridades lo detienen o lo interrogan, tiene derecho a un abogado. Si no puede pagarlo, se le asignará un defensor público.
3) No tiene que abrir la puerta sin una orden judicial Los agentes necesitan una orden judicial válida para entrar en su casa. Sin ella, no tiene obligación de dejarlos entrar.
4) Usted tiene derecho a rechazar un registro sin consentimiento Usted puede rechazar un registro de su persona o propiedad a menos que exista una orden judicial válida.
5) Conozca sus derechos durante la detención Si está detenido, debe ser informado de los cargos contra usted y tener derecho a comunicarse con su familia o representación legal.
6) Lleve consigo su licencia de conducir y su identificación tribal en todo momento. Esto es especialmente importante si lo identifican por error como si fuera de otro país. Estas identificaciones pueden ayudar a aclarar su identidad y sus derechos en caso de que lo interroguen las autoridades o los agentes de inmigración.
Know your rights if you’re undocumented
1) Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door. Only open the door if they have a search warrant.
2) Do not answer any questions from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
3) Do not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
4) If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
5) Give this card to the agent If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.
La lista a continuación sobre Conozca Sus Derechos es para cualquier persona indocumentada.
1) No abra la puerta si un agente de inmigración está tocando la puerta. Abra la puerta únicamente si tienen una orden de registro.
2) No conteste ninguna pregunta de un agente de inmigración si el trata de hablar con usted. Usted tiene el derecho de mantenerse callado.
3) No firme nada sin antes hablar con un abogado. Usted tiene el derecho de hablar con un abogado.
4) Si usted está afuera de su casa, pregunte al agente si es libre para irse y si dice que sí, váyase con tranquilidad.
5) Entregue esta tarjeta al agente Si usted está dentro de su casa, muestre la tarjeta por la ventana o pásela debajo de la puerta.
Learn more:
Feeding Community through Milpas: food sovereignty and community healing in Idaho
You Are Here: Include whole community in your activism
Rural Communities Have a Long Way to Go for a Complete Count in the 2020 Census
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