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Know Your Rights

know your rights


Para EspaΓ±ol

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

This hub provides a concise overview of how to interact with immigration officials. It connects you to trusted state, national, and non-profit organizations offering free or low-cost legal assistance. It also includes country-specific resources and rapid response networks to ensure immediate support during immigration enforcement actions.

You'll also find guidance on safely reporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity while maintaining privacy. These tools are designed to empower you and your community with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate complex situations confidently.

πŸ“Œ You are not alone. You have rights. And California is here to help.

πŸ”Ή URGENT: Need Immediate Help?

πŸ“ž Call CHIRLA: (888) 624-4752  πŸ“ž ACLU Southern CA (English or Spanish): (213) 977-9500
πŸ“ž Report ICE Activity: Call or Text (415) 715-9990 (PaseLaVoz, free and confidential)
πŸ“Œ Know Your Rights: Stay silent, do not sign anything, and request an attorney.

Know Your Rights at a Glance

βœ… Right to Remain Silent – You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or birthplace.
βœ… Do Not Open Any Door – Unless they present an arrest warrant naming someone at the residence or a search warrant describing the area to be searched, and the warrant is signed by a judge.
βœ… Do Not Sign Anything – Consult an attorney before signing any documents to protect your rights.
βœ… Avoid False Information – Do not falsify documents or misrepresent your citizenship status.
βœ… Seek Legal Help – Contact the trusted organizations listed below for assistance.


Immigration Resources & Legal Assistance

πŸ“ Access immediate support, legal aid, and educational resources to protect your rights.

State Resources

  • California Department of Justice – Office of Immigrant Assistance
    Provides guidance on immigration issues, fraud protection, and legal resources.
    Visit Website
    πŸ“ž (800) 952-5225
     
  • California Department of Social Services (CDSS) – Immigration Services Unit
    Visit Website
    πŸ“ž (916) 651-8017 | email: ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov

National & Regional Organizations

  • CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
    Visit Website | πŸ“ž (888) 624-4752
     
  • ACLU Southern California
    Visit Website
    • Legal intake: (213) 977-5253
    • Jails project intake: (213) 977-9543
    • Media inquiries: (213) 977-5252
    • Main phone line: (213) 977-9500
       
  • ACLU San Diego & Imperial County
    Visit Website
    • E-mail: info@aclu-sdic.org
    • Main phone: (619) 232-2121
    • Legal assistance (San Diego County): (619) 232-2121
    • Legal assistance (Imperial County): (760) 638-8932

Free & Low-Cost Legal Assistance

  • California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
    Visit Website | πŸ“ž (831) 757-5221
     
  • CRLAF – California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
    Visit Website | πŸ“ž (916) 446-7904
     
  • ILRC – Immigrant Legal Resource Center
    Visit Website
     
  • Law Help CA – Immigration Assistance
    Visit Website

Rapid Response Networks

πŸ“ Report ICE Activity or Seek Emergency Support

Southern California: San Diego Rapid Response πŸ“ž (619) 536-0823

πŸ“– Full List of Regional Rapid Response Hotlines


βš–οΈ Free & Low-Cost Legal Assistance in California

πŸ“ These organizations provide legal representation, naturalization assistance, and immigrant rights advocacy.

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF)
Legal support for immigration matters, including removal defense and naturalization.
crlaf.org
πŸ“ž (916) 446-7904

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Education, policy advocacy, and legal resources for immigrants.
ilrc.org

Catholic Charities of California – Immigration Services
Free and affordable immigration legal services.
catholiccharitiesca.org
πŸ“ž (916) 706-1539

University-Based Legal Clinics

πŸ“ These law schools provide low-cost or pro bono legal services for immigrants in California.

UC Davis School of Law Immigrant Legal Services Center
McGeorge School of Law Immigration Clinic (University of the Pacific)
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services – Immigration Legal Assistance


πŸ“² How to Stay Updated & Report ICE Activity

πŸ”Ή Text or Call for ICE Alerts – Subscribe to PaseLaVoz for real-time updates. πŸ“² Text or call (415) 715-9990.

πŸ“Œ Bookmark this page and follow us on social media for the latest updates: Facebook Logo  Instagram Logo


NOTE: This information is not intended as legal advice.