Know Your Rights
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The resources on this page can help you know your rights when you are stopped by law enforcement officers, or how to protect your workplace as a business owner. Please be aware that the Library can provide you access to information resources, but our staff are unable to provide legal advice.
ACLU Know Your Rights Cards
These pocket-sized Know Your Rights cards detail your rights if you’re stopped by law enforcement officers, such as local police and federal immigration enforcement officers. Print and share these cards in your communities. Created in partnership with .
ILRC Red Cards
’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when federal immigration enforcement officers go to a home. Print and share these cards in your communities.
Know Your Rights with Immigration Enforcement Officers
The has infographics, fliers, booklets, and more that detail your rights during encounters with federal immigration enforcement officers at home, on the street, in a car, or in a courthouse.
Many resources are available in multiple languages, and the entire page is available in Spanish.
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has also created a flier, “Know Your Rights: Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington.” This flier is available in multiple languages and provides guidance on what to do if you are approached by an immigration officer; what to do if you are arrested, detained or taken into custody; and limits on local and state participation in enforcing federal immigration law.
Resources for Individuals & Families
The following resources are from the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA)’s . Visit OIRA’s page for their full list of resources.
Family Safety Planning
- , Legal Counsel for Youth & Children
- , Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Legal Support: Local Legal Services Providers & Advocacy Organizations
- , Immigration Advocates Network
- , The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) WA
Asylum-related Resources
- , OIRA and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) – This series of informational videos is intended for asylum seekers living in Seattle or Washington state to help them navigate the immigration and asylum process. Videos are available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
- (), OIRA – This document provides general information for migrant families who are seeking assistance from the City of Seattle. The resource guide includes essential phone numbers, information on protecting yourself against scams, free legal services, a list of immigration attorneys accepting new clients, English language classes, available shelters, King County Homelessness Authority Resources, and regional access points in King County.
Resources for Business Owners & Employers
The following resources are from the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA)’s . Visit OIRA’s page for their full list of resources.
- , Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
- , NILC & National Employment Law Project (NELP)
- – OIRA partnered with the (OED) to host a virtual “Know Your Rights” training for business owners and employers to help explain how businesses can follow immigration regulations and how to protect both their workers and workplace. Watch a and .
Rapid Response Phone Numbers
- – Call or text 1-844-724-3737 to report immigration enforcement activity, or to get connected to emergency resources. Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Operated by Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN). Interpretation is available in 300+ languages.