Know Your Rights

Know your rights

Rights and Planning Guide

The Rights and Planning Guide was first created in 2017 and most recently revised in December 2024. It is intended to help individuals and families who are facing potential immigration detention or removal/deportation or those who have been subjected to discrimination based on their national origin. The Guide is intended to be used as a collective community resource and is not intended as a source of legal or other advice and it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Know your options

While there is much uncertainty regarding current and future immigration enforcement policies, the Guide provides information and resources on the following ways for noncitizens to assert their constitutional rights and protect themselves and their loved ones
right now:

Don’t panic, understand your rights, and don’t be afraid to assert them;
Create a safety plan and be prepared in the event you are arrested, detained, or deported;
Know your options under the law by speaking to a qualified immigration attorney or DOJ representative; and
Know that there are resources available and advocates standing with you in this time
of uncertainty.

For Families

Emergency Planning Guide for Parents with Uncertain Immigration Futures

This guide is a meant as a resource for parents who may be uncertain about whether they will be detained by ICE or deported from the United States by the US government. If you have uncertainty in your immigration status and think that there is a possibility of being detained, it is important to read through this document and make sure you are taking any necessary steps to ensure that your child or children will be taken care of properly if you are unexpectedly unavailable.

Save This and Be Prepared

You have the right to remain silent during interactions with local or state law enforcement and with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In Nebraska, you are required to give a local or state police officer your name and address if asked. Once you give your name and address, you are not required to and should not say anything more.

You can exercise your right to remain silent by handing ICE or police officers the Know Your Rights Card linked below (sometimes called a “Red Card”), or by telling the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent and will not answer any further questions until your attorney is present.

Remaining silent until your attorney is present benefits you because anything you say can be used against you in criminal or immigration proceedings.

You have rights

Know Your Rights Resources

ILRC Red Cards

The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.

We Have Rights

An empowerment campaign to prepare for and safely defend our rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ACLU - Immigrant Rights

Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more here about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them.

Arkansas Example - A Guide for School & Community Partnerships

This brief guide offers some strategies for schools and community partnerships to support the children of immigrants who find themselves suddenly without parents due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Multicultural Coalition of Grand Island - Community Preparedness

Family Preparedness Toolkit in English and Spanish.

Free and confidential

Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH)

NILAH is a free and confidential screening for immigration assistance. Call 1-855-307-6730 to speak with an access specialist about your immigration options. Our access specialists are bilingual in English and Spanish and have access to interpreters in over 240+ languages through Language Line Solutions.

Please be aware of scams. All of our services are provided for free. We will never ask you to send money in exchange for legal services.

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Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CST

Press 9 to leave a voicemail during office hours, and we will return your call.

To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.

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We are a 501c3 nonprofit. Our EIN number is 74-3195841. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.