Immigration Services & Resources
Know Your Rights
MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition)
Basic Know Your Right Overview:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IF ICE AGENTS COME TO YOUR HOME:
- DO NOT open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. (If so, ask them to pass it under the door)
AT WORK OR IN A PUBLIC PLACE:
- DO NOT run. Stay calm and ask, “Am I being arrested or detained?” If not, walk away calmly. If yes, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
- You have the right to REMAIN SILENT. You do not have to answer any questions.
- You have the right to CALL YOUR ATTORNEY.
- DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING before consulting your attorney
HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
- Keep all your documents in a safe place. Make sure you and your family always have your lawyer’s number on hand.
Know Your Rights Posters:
- English: CLICK HERE
- Spanish: CLICK HERE
- Portuguese: CLICK HERE
- Haitian Creole: CLICK HERE
RESOURCES AND LEGAL HELP
There are numerous resources for individuals seeking an attorney to represent themselves or a loved one in immigration proceedings:
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association’s online directory;
- The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild’s “Find an Attorney” website;
- The Department of Justice’s list of pro bono legal service providers by state; and
- Immigration Law Help’s directory of nonprofit legal help by zip code and detention facility.
A person detained by ICE can be found through ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System.
Any complaints to the AGO can be made to its Civil Rights Division by visiting www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-civil-rights-complaint, emailing [email protected], or calling (617)963-2917.
The AGO maintains a website of additional resources for various stakeholders for immigrants and institutions that serve them. These include guidance for service providers, health care providers, K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, and more.
