Know Your Rights:
Community Resource Hub
This information is available in more languages. Click the “Translate” tool in the top right corner to select a language.
Esta información está disponible en más idiomas. Haga clic en la herramienta "Traducir" en la esquina superior derecha para seleccionar un idioma.
Cov ntaub ntawv no muaj nyob hauv ntau hom lus. Nyem rau "Hloov" lub cuab tam nyob rau sab xis saum toj kawg nkaus xaiv ib hom lus.
Your Rights. Your Community. Your Home.
All people in Milwaukee County—regardless of immigration status—are entitled to the rights provided by the United States Constitution. The following resources are designed to help you understand those rights at home, in public, and at work. The links on this webpage will lead to external community partners or downloadable resources.
Milwaukee County’s greatest strength has always been its people and the diverse voices, cultures, and stories that make up our community. We are committed to fostering a community where everyone is valued and respected. While Milwaukee County cannot legally impede or interfere with the actions of federal immigration agents, we will do everything in our power to keep our communities safe, informed, and prepared.
Please note: The information on this website is not legal advice. It is not a complete explanation of the law and may not apply to every situation. It is meant only as a starting point to learn more. The organizations and resources listed below are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Milwaukee County and should not be viewed as an endorsement of any organization or service. For advice about your specific situation, please contact a licensed attorney or a community legal organization, many of which are listed below.
Quick Links
If you believe your rights or the rights of someone else have been violated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
you can file a civil rights complaint with DHS's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
What to do if a loved one has been detained:
- It is unlikely anyone will be notified, so you will need to reach out to locate them.
- Search for their name in ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System
- Call nearby immigrant detention centers. A full list of all immigrant detention centers is available on ICE’s website.
- Contact an immigration attorney. (resources below)
- Call Voces de la Frontera's 24/7 Emergency Bilingual Hotline for additional support: (800) 427-0213
How to reduce risk to yourself if you encounter an immigration agent:
- Stay calm.
- Ask to contact an attorney.
- Do not argue, resist, or obstruct the agents.
- Do not run away if an immigration agent approaches you on the street.
- Do not touch, threaten, or lie to an agent.
- Do not provide any false documents or information.
Common Legal Terms & Definitions
First Amendment: Protects freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
- Provides the right to practice their religion, express opinions, speak out, or gather peacefully without retaliation or deportation based on political expression.
- These rights have limits. Speech or actions that are intended to cause immediate illegal activity, constitute genuine threats, are obscene, or intentionally damage someone’s reputation through falsehoods are not protected.
Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- The government usually needs a valid reason—or a warrant—to search your home, belongings, or digital devices, or to detain them.
Fifth Amendment: Protects due process and certain other rights involving the federal government. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to due process before the government can take away life, liberty, or property.
- Due Process: Fair treatment during legal proceedings that must be carried out in accordance to established rules and principles
Sixth Amendment: Provides the rights to an attorney, a fair and speedy trial, an impartial jury, and to know the charges brought against you in criminal court.
- Note: These rights apply only in a criminal court. Immigration court is not a criminal court, so these protections do not apply there.
Eighth Amendment: Protects against excessive bail, fines, and cruel punishment.
- Provides protection against being subjected to extreme punishments, excessive fines, or inhumane treatment by the government.
Fourteenth Amendment: Guarantees equal protection of the laws and due process under state law.
- States and local governments must treat non-citizens fairly and cannot deny basic legal protections without a valid reason.