Know Your Rights

Información en Español disponible más abajo

Everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights under the U.S. Constitution. The following information can help protect you and your family.

If Immigration Agents Come to Your Home

Do Not Open the Door
You have the right to refuse entry unless the agent presents a valid warrant.

Say: “I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution, unless you have a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it. Please slide it under the door.”

Do Not Let Them Search Your Belongings: “I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.”

If Immigration Agents Try to Question You

You Have the Right to Remain Silent
Do not answer any questions.

Say: “I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand over any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.”

Do Not Sign Anything Without a Lawyer: You are not required to sign any document without legal advice.

Say: “I do not wish to sign anything without first consulting my lawyer. I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”

Your Constitutional Rights

4th Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…”

5th Amendment: “No person…shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…”

Important Reminders

Access to Emergency Medical Care
All people, regardless of status, have the right to emergency medical treatment under federal law.

Law Enforcement Limits in California

• Cannot ask about your immigration status for enforcement purposes.

• Cannot share personal information like your address unless it’s public or tied to a criminal history.

• Cannot assist ICE in immigration enforcement unless as part of a limited federal task force not focused on immigration.

Student Privacy Is Protected
Schools are legally required to protect student records. They cannot release personal information without written consent unless for educational purposes, public records, or court orders.

Need Legal Help?

If you need legal assistance, please see the list of organizations and offices below.
Note: This list is not comprehensive. The VCDCC is not liable for any legal advice received through these organizations.

This information is provided by the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee (VCDCC) for educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice.

Key Resources:

• 805 Immigrant Volunteer Sign-Up Form: Sign Up Here – Sign up here to help those impacted by ICE
• Register for Alerts here – Sign up here to get alerts when ICE is in Ventura County
• 805 UnDocuFund Alerts Page: https://www.805undocufund.org/alerts.html
• Rapid Response Hotline: (805) 870-8855
• 805 Immigrant Coalition: Webpage Here , Facebook Here, Instagram here, Resources Page here     
• ACLU “Know Your Rights” Flyers:
• Rapid Response Promotion Flyer: Link Here
• Central Coast Attorneys and Legal Services here
• Employer Rights and Resources – English and Spanish
• Family Preparedness Planning Here
• Swap Meet Justice Ventura County Here
• Toolkit for Community Action: Download the Toolkit
• Order More Red Cards (Know Your Rights Cards) Here
• Local School Resources Pages Here and Here