Know Your Rights
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.
Know Your Rights:
- You have the right to deny entry to your home or private space. In most situations, law enforcement officers cannot come into your home or private space unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants or warrants of removal/deportation do not give them permission to enter without your consent or that of another person permitted to be inside your home or other private space. If law enforcement officers don’t have a judicial warrant, you may keep the door closed and state clearly: “I do not consent to your entry.”
- You have the right to say no if a law enforcement officer asks to search you or your belongings. Generally, law enforcement officers cannot search you or your property without your consent unless there is reason to believe you have probably committed or are in the process of committing a crime.
- You have the right to speak to an attorney. You may want to consider saving the phone number of a local immigration attorney in your phone so you can access it quickly. Affordable legal resources and attorney referrals are listed below.
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions from law enforcement or sign any documents without first talking to an attorney. You are not required to answer questions about where you were born, your citizenship status, or how you entered the United States.
- You have the right to record law enforcement activity in public spaces. You may take videos, photos, or written notes of law enforcement activity in a public space, but you may not interfere or obstruct officers while doing so.
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.
Guidance for Specific Scenarios
(Links direct to guidance from the ACLU Wisconsin)
Please note: The information on this website is not legal advice and does not necessarily reflect the views of Milwaukee County. For advice about your specific situation, please contact a licensed attorney or a community legal organization.