Immigration Resources

• American Immigration Council
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
• Illinois Attorney General - Know Your Rights (English)
• Illinois Attorney General - Know Your Rights (Spanish)
• Immigration Advocates Network - Chicago Legal Clinic
• Immigration Advocates Network - National Immigration Legal Services Directory
• Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
• Instituto del Progreso Latino
• Legal Aid Chicago
• National Immigration Law Center
• National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
• The Resurrection Project (TRP)
• World Relief Chicagoland

• You do not have to open the door if police officers or immigration agents come to your home and do not have a warrant.
• If you are unsure if the officer is an immigration agent, you may ask what agency they represent and specifically if they are immigration agents or from ICE.
• You may ask the officers or agents why they are there.
• You may ask for an interpreter if they do not speak your language.
• If the officers or agents say they have a warrant, you may ask to see it before letting them inside.
• If the warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge, the officers may enter your home. If the document is not signed by a judge, you are not required to let them inside. You may say: “You are not allowed to enter.”
• If the officers or agents force their way into your home, do not resist. You may tell them: "You are not allowed to enter. I do not consent to a search. I wish to remain silent. I wish to speak with an attorney as soon as possible."

Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

• You have the right to remain silent and you are not required to answer any questions. You may tell the police officer or immigration agent that you choose to remain silent.
• If you have any valid immigration documentation, such as a permanent resident card, an employment authorization card, or a certificate of naturalization, you may show your documentation to an immigration agent if the agent asks to see them.
• The officer or agent may pat you down if they believe you are carrying a weapon.

Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

• Do not attempt to resist arrest.
• You have the right to request to speak with an attorney.
• You have the right to request an interpreter.
• Remember, you do not have to say anything or answer any questions before speaking with an attorney.
• You have the right to consult with an immigration attorney before making any decisions about your case or signing any documents. No one can force you to make a final decision or sign a document if you do not fully understand it.

Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

• If you are arrested by the police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer and should ask for one immediately.
• If arrested, you have the right to a private phone call within a reasonable time of your arrest, and police may not listen to the call if it is made to a lawyer.
• If you are detained by ICE or Border Patrol, you have the right to hire a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. Ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
• If you are detained, you have the right to call a lawyer or your family, and you have the right to be visited by a lawyer in detention. You have the right to have your attorney with you at any hearing before an immigration judge.

Source - https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights

• Carry valid identification with you at all times. If you have immigration documentation, carry your valid immigration papers and work permit with you at all times.
• Memorize your A number.
• Do not carry false or fraudulent documents and never provide false or fraudulent documents to a police officer or immigration agent.
• If you have an encounter with police officers or immigration agents, write down as much information about the encounter as possible in case you feel your rights have been violated and you choose to file a complaint.

Source - https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

Officers and agents must adhere to the 2021 Mayorkas memorandum when conducting immigration enforcement actions, without an administrative or judicial warrant, in or near any place of worship on the enclosed list. The 2021 Mayorkas memorandum requires that:

• To the fullest extent possible, ERO shall not undertake immigration enforcement actions at places of worship.
• ERO shall only conduct enforcement actions in circumstances identical to or comparable to the enumerated “limited circumstances” listed in the memorandum.
• Absent exigent circumstances, an agent or officer must seek prior approval from ERO Headquarters (HQ), or as otherwise delegated, before taking an enforcement action in or near a place of worship.
• If the enforcement action is taken due to exigent circumstances and prior approval was therefore not obtained, ERO HQ (or delegate) should be consulted post-action.
• To the fullest extent possible, any enforcement action in or near a place of worship shall be taken in a non-public area, outside of public view, and otherwise conducted to eliminate or at least minimize the chance that the enforcement action will restrain people from accessing the place of worship.

Source - https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/ero/protected-areas

ICE does NOT raid or target schools. Officers would need secondary supervisor approval before any action can be taken in locations such as a school. It is expected such instances would be extremely rare.

Source - https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/09/09/dhs-sets-record-straight-ice-does-not-raid-schools