• The 5^th amendment of the US Constitution gives you the right to remain silent. A judge is the only person who has the legal power to order you to answer questions.

• The only time you must talk to the police, FBI or ICE agents is if they are investigating a crime or have reason to believe you are involved in some kind of criminal activity. If this is why you were stopped, they also have the right to search your car without a search warrant.

• Reason to believe you are involved in a criminal activity is a very unclear area. An example of this may be sitting parked in your car in the same place for a long time, driving around the same street many times, standing on the same street corner for a long time, etc. Be very careful of your actions and habits. By avoiding these kinds of activities, you can prevent yourself from being questioned and make it easier for the police to do what they are paid for.... to protect you.

• If the police stop you in your car, you must show your auto registration, proof of insurance and driver’s license. If you don’t do this you can be arrested. You don’t have to provide them proof of your immigration status or answer any other questions. Never provide false documents. Doing so is breaking the law and may cause you to lose all of your rights.

• Anything you say to the police, immigration authorities, FBI or other government agencies can be used against you. E-mails can also be used against you. If you don’t want to answer questions, tell whoever is questioning you that you want to speak to a lawyer. If they continue to question you,  do not break down and answer. Insist on speaking to a lawyer and remain silent.

• If you are questioned or detained, do not think that you can make up a story or talk your way out of the situation. Doing this can cause you to lose your rights.

• Police are allowed to lie to you. Do not try to explain yourself to them or answer them to prove they are mistaken. This only can get you into more trouble.

• Immigration authorities have the right to question anyone by phone or in person that they think is here illegally. If you are undocumented, always speak to or ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions or providing information. The only question you must answer is providing your name.

• If you are walking on the street and are stopped by police, find out why. If they have no real reason, ask them if you are free to leave or if you are under arrest. If they refuse to answer those questions and just continue talking tell them you are going to leave. If they say you are not free to leave, do not give them any other information except your name.

• Do not present false documents or make false statements to federal or government officials. Lying to a government official is a crime and may result in your being deported.