Know Your Rights: Immigration Resources & Support
In the 48th ward, we believe in protecting our neighbors, honoring our shared humanity, and standing up for what is right. Our office is committed to bringing people together in solidarity and defending civil liberties for all; Regardless of how you came to this city, we’re glad you’re here. For immediate assistance, contact a 24-hour immigration support hotline at 855-435-7693.
One of the best ways we can all support our at-risk neighbors is by understanding their rights, so regardless of your citizenship status, please read on to access important resources and to learn about immigrants’ rights under the U.S. Constitution.
In this post:
Know Your Rights
City-Wide Resources
48th Ward Resources
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
No matter who is president, immigrants have rights under the United States Constitution:
You have the right to remain silent. You may refuse to speak to immigration officers. You may tell them that you wish to remain silent.
ICE must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. Click here to learn how to identify a valid judicial warrant.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained by ICE, the government is not required to provide a lawyer, but you have the right to consult your own. You may say “I want to speak to my attorney.” If you do not have an attorney, you can ask for a list of free or low-cost options.
Related Recommendations:
Because of Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, the Chicago Police Department will not directly assist or report to ICE. If you are the victim of a crime, please continue to contact 911.
You are encouraged to carry valid immigration documents (ex: work permit, green card) with you. If an immigration agent asks to see these documents, you are required to show them if you have them with you.
Do not sign any documents without having a lawyer review them. Make sure you understand any documents you are signing.
Download and print our Know Your Rights card here. Show this card if you are stopped by an immigration officer. Physical copies of this card are also available at the 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr).
Note that these are guidelines, not legal advice. For more information on immigrants’ rights and how to express them, see the ACLU’s Know Your Rights guide here.
CITY-WIDE RESOURCES
There are many guides, toolkits, trainings, and other resources provided by organizations throughout the city to support immigrant communities, especially on legal matters. Access them below:
24-Hour Family Immigration Support Hotline: 855-435-7693
Welcoming City Resources: Resources from City of Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR).
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR): Case management, legal services, healthcare access, domestic violence resources, and more.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Guidance and Resources Regarding New Presidential Administration: Immigration rights (including weekly trainings), LGBTQ+ protections, health, and curriculum under the new presidential administration
NIJC Guide for Employers: What to do if immigration comes to your workplace.
Report an ICE raid: Report ICE activity through The Resurrection Project. You can also report ICE activity to the hotline at 855-435-7693.
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC): What to do if you or a loved one is detained, What to do if you encounter ICE, and more.
NIJC City of Chicago Legal Protection Fund: Chicago residents are eligible for free legal services.
48th WARD RESOURCES
The 48th ward has always been a welcoming ward with a variety of organizations poised to help immigrant communities access the resources they need from legal aid, to education, to childcare, and much more. Walk into any of these 48th ward locations during their hours of operation.
Centro Romero (6216 N Clark)
Syrian Community Network (5439 N Broadway)
Chinese Mutual Aid Association (1016 W Argyle)
Vietnamese Association of Illinois (5110 N Broadway)
48th Ward (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
