Your Rights

Learn about your legal rights, how to respond to ICE actions, where to find legal help, and how to make a plan to protect you and your family.

  • Everyone in the U.S., including immigrants, has basic rights under the Constitution. Here are three important rights you should know:

    4th Amendment – You are protected from unlawful searches and seizures

    • No one can search your home, car, or belongings unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge (not just an ICE officer or supervisor).

    • If ICE officers come to your home, do not open the door unless they show a warrant signed by a judge with your name and address. Ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.

    • If you are stopped in public, you can ask: “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, calmly walk away.

    5th Amendment – You have the right to remain silent

    • You do not have to answer questions from police or ICE, even about your immigration status.

    • Say clearly: “I am using my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

    • Do not sign anything unless you have had a chance to speak to a lawyer and are sure you understand what it means.

    6th Amendment – You have the right to a fair trial and a lawyer

    • If you are arrested, you have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering any questions or signing any papers.

    • In immigration cases, the government does not give you a free lawyer, but you can get help from a trusted legal aid group.

    The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) has developed this helpful card that you can keep in your wallet.

    Get CIRC Know Your Rights Card

  • If ICE comes to your home, do not open the door. Immigration officers sometimes show up at homes without proper legal documents. ICE can only enter with a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

    Do not open the door, even a little, to look at a warrant. Ask officers to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window.

    Warrants issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security, or other agencies are not judicial warrants. You do not have to allow them into your house. You do not have to answer any questions. You do not have to provide identification. Call the Colorado Rapid Response Network to let them know ICE is at your house. 1-844-864-8341

    Know the Difference: Judicial vs ICE Warrants

    Many people are unsure of what kind of warrant allows agents to enter a home. The Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN) offers this guidance:

    Judicial warrant - allows entry

    • Signed by a U.S. judge or magistrate

    • Lists your correct name and address

    • Clearly states it was issued by a federal court

    If a judicial warrant is shown, only the person named should go outside and close the door behind them to protect others inside

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Department of Homeland Security warrant - does not allow entry

    • Signed by an ICE officer or agency representative, not a judge

    • May say “Authorized Immigration Officer” or “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”

    This type of warrant does not allow entry into your home. You do not have to open the door. Stay inside and keep the door closed. Do not answer any questions. Do not give consent to enter your home. 

    Warrants

  • Sometimes ICE agents show up at workplaces. This guide, created by the National Immigration Law Center, shares basic information to help you and your employer know what to do. It includes:

    • What types of actions ICE might take at job sites

    • What employers should and shouldn’t do

    • How to prepare ahead of time

    • What steps to take after an ICE visit

    Guide for Employers: What to Do if ICE Comes to Your Workplace

    Consider sharing this guide with any employers or supervisors who may not know their rights and responsibilities.

  • If you are stopped, arrested, or detained by ICE or other law enforcement, it's important to know your rights and how to respond. This guide by the National Immigration Law Center outlines what to do in different situations — whether you're approached on the street, in a vehicle, or in a public space. It also includes tips on how to stay calm and protect yourself legally.

    What to Do if You Are Stopped or Detained by ICE or Law Enforcement

  • Information adapted from a July 2, 2025 article by Arelis R. Hernández in The Washington Post

    This Washington Post article helps clarify some of the legal gray areas around ICE enforcement. It remains accurate as of July 2025 and is one of the clearest summaries available. Here are a few important details it highlights:

    • ICE agents may not always identify themselves clearly. They can wear plain clothes and may not say they are immigration officers right away.

    • ICE agents may wear masks. There is no clear law that either requires or prohibits immigration officers from wearing masks.

    • ICE officers can make arrests in public places. They do not need a judicial warrant to approach or detain someone in a public space.

    • ICE can arrest people in front of others, including children. Agents may also arrest people who were not the original target of enforcement.

    Read the full article here:

    What Is and Isn't Legal During an ICE Arrest

    Note: The information in this article is for educational purposes and not legal advice.

  • It's important to get advice from individuals and organizations that are trained in immigration law. While there may not be immigration legal service providers in Chaffee County, there are nonprofit organizations across Colorado and beyond that offer free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrants.

    For free general legal advice (non-immigration), visit the Community Resources page.

  • We know it’s hard to think about, but if you or someone in your family is ever detained by ICE, it’s important to be ready.

    We’ve included a plan created by the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) that outlines steps families can take ahead of time — like choosing emergency contacts, making childcare arrangements, and gathering important documents.

    Having a plan in place can give you more control in a difficult situation. Make sure your family and trusted friends know about this plan and how to find it.

    Make a Family Plan

  • When a loved one is picked up by immigration officers, it can be scary and confusing, especially when they’re taken to a detention center far from home.

    This guide, created by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), walks you through how to start looking for someone who may be in ICE custody and facing deportation.

    How to Find a Loved One After a U.S. Immigration Arrest

The information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Every person’s situation is different. For specific guidance, speak with an immigration attorney.