Know Your Rights
We are witnessing in real time how the federal government is pushing the limits of its power unjustly. As a sanctuary city, it is our duty as Chicagoans to collectively pool our resources and organize with our neighbors through mutual aid efforts, civic activism, and political education to ensure that we are keeping ourselves and each other safe when our government fails to do so.
If you are stopped by the police, ICE, or military on the street:
You can ask: “Am I free to go?”
- If yes, calmly walk away (don’t run)
- If you’re stopped, you have the right to remain silent
- You have the right to not share your immigration status
You can also say: “I do not consent to a search.”
Note:
- An officer can pat you down if they have reasonable suspicion you are armed and dangerous
- Physically resisting an officer is illegal and can lead to federal or state criminal charges even if the stop/arrest is illegal
If the police, ICE, or military come to your home you have the right not to open your door unless there is a valid warrant
Ask, “do you have a warrant?”
- If they say yes, ask them to slide it under your door or hold up to your window
- A signed warrant by a judge is needed to enter your home
If you witness misconduct by federal law enforcement or police
Document the actions of officers *You have the right to film police, ICE, and military officials*
- Document the officer’s name, badge/ license plate number, and type of vehicle
- call the FDLA hotline: 800-529-7374 (include name of person experiencing misconduct, date of birth, and location of arrest)
If you are arrested at a protest or for political activity
Call the National Lawyers Guild Chicago hotline:
872-4NLG-CHI / 872-465-4244
(Free legal representation while in police custody or court)
For immigration related arrests & ICE sightings:
Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) hotline: 855-435-7693
To report police, ice, & national guard misconduct call
The first defense legal aid (FDLA) hotline:
1-800-LAW-REP4 / 800-529-7374
Illinois coalition for immigrant & refugee rights:
855-435-7693
What to do if you feel intimidated by ICE at the polls?
- Make your plan to vote now, and consider voting
by mail if you can. - Consider voting as early as possible during the
early voting period. - Have a family member, neighbor, or friend
accompany you to the polls. If people in your party
are non-citizens, use caution and reconsider
before heading to the polls.
If you are stopped by a local or federal agent,
- Stay calm and don’t resist. Keep your hands
visible. - Ask if you can leave. If they say “yes”, you can go.
If they say “no”, stay until told you can leave. - You don’t have to answer government officials’
questions unless you’re stopped for a traffic,
parking, or pedestrian offense. If you don’t want to
answer, say, “I want to remain silent.” - Have someone in your party record and take note
of the incident for physical evidence and
documentation. - If an official asks to search you or your belongings,
say “no”, but don’t obstruct access. They may
have the right to search anyway. If they start, say,
“I don’t consent to a search.” - You don’t have to unlock your phone or give
government officials your password without a
warrant. For extra security, turn off Face ID.
If arrested
- Exercise your right to remain silent and seek legal
representation. - To invoke these rights, say “I want to remain
silent” and “I want to speak with a lawyer. - Refrain from answering questions or signing
documents without a lawyer present. - You can request a phone call (be aware
government officials may refuse). Note: calls to
others are monitored and recorded.
For More Information Regarding Ice/Federal Agent Intimidation at the Polls
If you’re having trouble at the polls, call the non-partisan election protection hotline:
English: 1-866-our-vote / 1-866-687-8683
Spanish: 1-888-ve-y-vota / 1-888-839-8682
Arabic: 1-844-yalla-us / 1-844-925-5287
For more languages including Hindi, Vietnamese, and more, call:
1-888-api-vote / 1-888-274-8683
Index
Sometimes you gotta pop out & vote!
Voter information lookup
View your voter information, sample ballot, AND locate your precinct polling place for Election Day.
Chicago board of elections contact information
69 West Washington Street
Suites 600/800
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 269-7900
cboe@chicagoelections.gov
Election day is Tuesday, March 17th!
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Keep in mind, this guide is for informational purposes only, designed to help voters understand where each candidate stands on issues important to young people. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we do not endorse or oppose any candidates or political parties.