Know Your Rights Resources
The unwarranted deployment of our national guard and increased presence of federal officers has put DC children and families at risk. Understand your rights and how to exercise them.
If stopped by ICE or other federal officers:
Click here for ACLU-DC Immigrant Rights Resources
What to do if ICE knocks at your door: IDP’s Shareable Infographics – Immigrant Defense Project
Click here to order or download red wallet cards to express your rights to police or ICE.
If stopped by police:
Watch this video of DC youth as they explain how to exercise your rights if stopped by police.
Bystander & Observer Guidelines:
As DC communities experience increasing rates of harassment, profiling and violations of our rights by law enforcement, filming the police is a crucial way we can all keep each other safe. Taking photographs and video of things that are plainly visible in public spaces is a constitutional right. That includes police and other government officials carrying out their duties.
However, we realize these rights could be ignored. Please exercise safety and caution and follow these guidelines before choosing to film:
Send photos or videos of police interactions or tips about police sightings to: report@filmthepolicedc.org. For active enforcement (arrests, detentions, active checkpoints) call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid hotline at 202-335-1183.
Click here for more information on what to look for when filming ICE or police.
For Informational Purposes Only: The above information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney. By providing this information, we are not creating an attorney-client relationship. Children’s Law Center does not represent you unless and until we give you a written agreement that says Children’s Law Center will be your lawyer and will represent you in a specific matter.
Resources to Prepare for an Immigration Emergency
Visit FamiliesUnitedDCMetro.org to help prepare for a potential immigration emergency, such as: creating a plan for someone to take care of children if detained/deported; accessing a family preparedness checklist and sample family safety plan; creating a plan for someone to handle finances if detained/deported; and learning about your Immigration Rights.