Skip To Menu
Skip To Content
Skip To Accessibility Options
Skip To Language Options

Know Your Rights

Every Providence resident has a right to lead a dignified life free from state-sponsored intimidation. This resource outlines constitutional rights and actions to take if an ICE agent comes to your door, as well as no-cost legal assistance helplines. 
Download PDF/Descargar PDF

 Citizen or Not: You Have Constitutional Rights*

  • DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an ICE agent is knocking. You do not have to let officers into your home unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge with your name and address.
  • DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS OR SIGN ANYTHING. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. You do not have to say a word.
  • An administrative warrant (signed by an “Authorized Immigration Officer”) does not give agents the authority to enter non-public spaces. If they present a judicial warrant (signed by a “U.S. Magistrate Judge”), then only the person who is named on the warrant should step out and close the door behind them to keep others in the home safe. If they present an administrative warrant, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
  • If agents force entry into your home, DO NOT PHYSICALLY RESIST. Instead, say: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer.” If you are detained, you have the right to a phone call. You may use it to call your family and activate your emergency plan.
  • It is against Providence Police policy to cooperate with ICE without a judicial warrant. If you see an officer violating this, REPORT THEIR NAME AND BADGE NUMBER to the city.

Cut out the card in the PDF on this page, or copy the words here onto your own:

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights. I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. I do not give you permission to enter my home or search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights unless you have a warrant signed by a judge with my name and address on it that you slide under the door or press against the window. I will not open the door for an ICE administrative warrant.

SHOW THE CARD  TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, slide it under the door or press it against a window.
If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

  • Dorcas International is now running a 24/7 legal assistance helpline. If you need legal help, call 401-784-8607.
  • If you see ICE in our community, call AMOR’s bilingual Deportation Defense Line at 401-675-1414 to alert trained responders and protect your neighbors.
  • All Providence residents ages 14+ can get a free city ID. No matter your immigration status, IDPVD helps you access city services safely. Learn more: providenceri.gov/idpvd

*This card is for general information only; not intended as legal advice

Cuidadano o No: Usted Tiene Derechos Constitucionales*

  • NO ABRA LA PUERTA si un agente de inmigración está tocando la puerta. No está obligado a permitir que oficiales entren a su casa a menos que tengan una orden de registro válida firmada por un juez con su nombre y dirección en ella.
  • NO CONTESTE NINGUNA PREGUNTA Y NO FIRME NADA. Usted tiene el derecho a guardar silencio. Usted tiene el derecho de hablar con un abogado. Si es detenido, tiene derecho a una llamada telefónica.
  • Una orden administrativa (firmada por un “Oficial de Inmigración Autorizado”) no otorga a los agentes la autoridad para entrar a espacios privados. Solo una orden judicial (firmada por un “Juez Magistrado de los EE. UU.”) lo hace. Si presentan una orden judicial, entonces solo la persona nombrada en la orden debe salir y cerrar la puerta detrás de ellos para mantener a salvo la casa. Si presentan una orden administrativa, NO ABRA LA PUERTA.
  • Si los agentes entran a la fuerza en su casa, NO SE RESISTA FÍSICAMENTE. En vez, diga: “No doy mi consentimiento para que entren ni para que registren este lugar. Estoy ejerciendo mi derecho de guardar silencio. Quiero hablar con un abogado.” Si es detenido, tiene derecho a una llamada telefónica. Puede usarla para llamar a su familia y activar su plan de emergencia.
  • Está en contra de la política del Departamento de Policía de Providence cooperar con agentes de inmigración sin una orden judicial. Si ve a un oficial de la policía violando esto, por favor COMPARTA SU NOMBRE Y NÚMERO DE PLACA con la ciudad.

Recorte la tarjeta en esta hoja o copie la información en algun lugar seguro:

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights. I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. I do not give you permission to enter my home or search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights unless you have a warrant signed by a judge with my name and address on it that you slide under the door or press against the window. I will not open the door for an ICE administrative warrant.

MUESTRE EL OTRO LADO DE ESTA TARJETA AL AGENTE. Quédese adentro; pásela debajo de la puerta o presiónela contra la ventana.
Si usted está fuera de su casa, pregúntele al agente si tiene la libertad de irse y si le dice que sí, váyase con tranquilidad.

  • Dorcas International ahora tiene una línea de ayuda legal disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana. Si necesita ayuda legal, llame al 401-784-8607.
  • Si ve a ICE en nuestra comunidad, llame a la Línea de Defensa Contra Deportaciones de AMOR al 401-675-1414 para alertar a personas capacitadas y proteger a sus vecinos.
  • Todos los residentes de Providence de 14 años en adelante pueden obtener una identificación municipal gratis. No importa su estatus migratorio, la IDPVD le ayuda a acceder a los servicios de la ciudad. Aprenda más: providenceri.gov/idpvd