Volume I · Number 1 · October 2026 · readclosely.org
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Read Closely
The Fine Print Behind the Headlines
Edited & written by Muhammad M. Ali · 1L
NewThe Strait and the Double Standard
Know Your Rights

One Page, Plain Words

What to say, what not to sign, and who to call. Print it, keep it in your wallet, and share it.

If officers come to your door

  1. Don’t open the door unless they show a warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide it under the door or hold it to a window. An ICE warrant (Form I-200) is not signed by a judge and doesn’t let them in.
  2. You can stay silent. Say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
  3. Don’t sign anything before you talk to a lawyer. Signing can mean giving up your right to a hearing.
  4. Don’t lie and don’t show fake documents. Silence is safer than a false answer.

If you’re stopped on the street or in traffic

  1. Ask: “Am I free to leave?” If yes, leave calmly. If no, you’re being detained.
  2. You can stay silent. In a traffic stop, your state may require you to identify yourself.
  3. You can refuse a search of you, your car or your things. Say: “I do not consent to a search.”
  4. Stay calm and keep your hands where they can see them. Don’t run, argue or resist, even if you think the stop is unfair.

If you’re detained or arrested

  1. Say: “I want to speak to a lawyer.” Say it again if you need to. Don’t answer questions until you have one.
  2. Don’t sign anything, especially a paper agreeing to leave the country (“voluntary departure”), without legal advice.
  3. Know your A-number if you have one, and give it to your family or lawyer. It’s how they find you.
  4. You can contact your consulate. Ask officers to notify it.
  5. Do this today: memorize one emergency contact’s number and save a lawyer’s number in your phone.

General information, not legal advice for your situation. Laws vary by state and change. For free help near you, use the Legal Aid Directory.