Know Your Rights

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has issued clear guidance to help residents protect themselves and their families from unconstitutional or discriminatory actions. Key protections include:

  • You are not required to answer questions from police or immigration agents and may clearly state that you choose to remain silent 
  • You have the right to request an attorney and an interpreter before speaking or signing anything Immigration agents cannot enter your home unless they present a warrant signed by a judge; if the document is not signed by a judge, you can refuse entry 
  • If officers or agents force their way in, do not resist, instead calmly state that you do not consent to a search and wish to speak with an attorney 

Carry valid identification and keep your immigration papers with you if you have them; you should never present false documents or information

Additional Resources

Illinois Immigration Information Hub

www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org
This statewide guide for immigrant communities in Illinois offers tools and information:

  • Preparing for encounters with ICE
  • What to do if a loved one has been detained
  • Driver’s licenses, state IDs, and recent policy changes
  • Creating family emergency plans
  • Accessing legal help and trusted service providers

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)

www.icirr.org/resources
ICIRR connects immigrant communities across Illinois to direct support, legal aid, and community services:

  • Case management in multiple languages
  • Help with public benefits, housing, food pantries, and emergency assistance
  • Connections to immigration attorneys
  • Hotlines for urgent needs:
    • Family Support Network: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
    • Ukrainian Arrivals Hotline: 1-833-242-3842
    • Afghan Arrivals Hotline: 1-855-685-2998

For more information on civil rights protections in Illinois, contact the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Hotline at 877-581-3692.

Know Your Rights Training hosted by State Representative Nicolle Grasse, Partners for Our Communities, and HANA Center

Know Your Rights

Mt. Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056

Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

The session will be led by Partners for Our Communities with translation provided by HANA Center. Learn about your rights, the rights of your immigrant neighbors, and how to respond safely if immigration authorities are in your neighborhood.