Know Your Rights

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We are witnessing in real time how the federal government is pushing the limits of its power unjustly. As Chicagoans living in a sanctuary city, we have a duty 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

Document the action of officers!

You have the right to film police, ICE, and military officials. If you witness misconduct by federal law enforcement or police:

• Document the officer’s name, badge/license plate number, and type of vehicle
• Call the FDLA hotline: 800-529-7374 (include the name of the 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

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 have the right to remain silent. During a traffic stop, drivers must provide their license, registration, and proof of insurance, but do not have to answer questions about their immigration status. 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.

Election day is Tuesday, November 3rd!

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Index

• About this Guide
• Voting 101
• Know Your Rights
• Governor and U.S. Senate
• Chicago School Board Elections
• Courts Elections
• Reintegration & Civic Empowerment Act
• Artist Statement

Sometimes you gotta pop out & vote!

Voter information lookup

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Chicago board of elections contact information

69 West Washington Street
Suites 600/800
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 269-7900
cboe@chicagoelections.gov