Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights that are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. So if you encounter police or immigration, if you’re asked about your status, if you’re detained, if you’re threatened with deportation, make sure you know your rights inside and out.

What To Do If the Police Stop You

YOU MUST:

  • Present identifying information

    If you are the driver of a car and stopped by the police, you must show a copy of your driver license if an officer asks you for it.

    If you are stopped while driving, Texas law requires you to provide the officer with a driver’s license or identifying information when requested. Learn more about documentation.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO:

  • Answer questions about your immigration status

    When they ask… What’s your immigration status? Where were you born? How did you get into this country?…remember: you are not legally required to answer.

  • Say or sign anything without a lawyer present

    Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or not, you have the right to an attorney. If you’re asked any questions about your immigration status or pressured to sign something you don’t understand, demand to speak to a lawyer.

    NOTE: If you currently have an immigration lawyer and do not feel comfortable staying silent when a police officer asks you questions, ask your lawyer the best way to describe your status and what documents you should carry with you.

  • Allow police or immigration to search you

    If a police officer or immigration official asks to search you, you have the right to say no. They do not have the right to search you or your vehicle without “probable cause” or your consent.

WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS REMEMBER

  • Do not lie to the police

  • Do not present false documents to the police

  • You have the right to remain silent

What To Do If in County Jail

Do not resist and follow the officer’s instructions

Answer questions about your name, address, where you live and birthdate truthfully

Say you wish to remain silent regarding all other questions and ask for a lawyer*

Do not say anything else, sign anything or make any decisions without a lawyer – even if an immigration officer visits you in jail

You have the right to make a phone call and the police cannot listen in if you call a lawyer

Do NOT discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer

Read all papers carefully – if you do not understand or cannot read the papers, ask for an interpreter

*If you cannot afford a lawyer, the government must provide one 

Print our free #KnowMyRightsTX Power Card, be prepared for any police encounter.

Your #KnowMyRightsTX Power Card = power in your pocket. Print this card, keep it in your vehicle, and hand it to the officer if you are stopped by immigration or the police.

DOWNLOAD

Safe Spaces in Your Community

While the impact of SB4 will reach far and wide across Texas – even in “Sanctuary Cities” – police and immigration are prohibited from enforcing the new laws in these safe spaces:

  • Public or private primary or secondary schools
  • Churches and other established places of worship
  • Health care facilities and “SAFE-ready” facilities treating victims of sexual assault

Know Your Rights in safe spaces! If you or a family member is targeted with questions about immigration status in any of these locations, contact an attorney for help.