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Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition > Our Work > Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights

Every person, regardless of their immigration status, has constitutional rights. Understanding these rights is the first step in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in public, knowing what to do in critical moments can make all the difference.

Prepare yourself today!

Start by exploring the resources on this page. Download guides, prepare your family with essential tools, and share this information widely. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community for all.

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Know Your Constitutional Rights
Family Preparedness Packets 
Colorado-Specific Protections 
Get Involved!

Know Your Constitutional Rights

Everyone in the US, regardless of their immigration status, has constitutional rights! Below we will focus on the most important rights – your 4th, 5th, and 6th amendment rights. We also offer Know Your Rights trainings – sign up today! You can also watch recordings of Know Your Rights trainings here.

4th Amendment – Protection from Unlawful Searches and Seizures

You have the right to refuse searches of your home, car, or belongings unless an officer has a valid warrant signed by a judge – ICE requests do not count. If immigration or law enforcement knocks on your door, do not open the door unless they provide a warrant that is signed by a judge with your name and address. If they claim to have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door or press it up against the window. If the warrant is valid (signed by a real judge), then only the person who is named on the warrant should step out and close the door behind them.  If stopped on the street, you can ask “Have I done something wrong? Am I free to leave?” If the answer is yes, walk away calmly.

5th Amendment – Right to Remain Silent

You do not have to answer questions from immigration agents or police, including about your immigration status. If you come into contact with ICE or are detained, clearly state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent and want to speak to a lawyer.” Never sign anything without understanding what it is—ask for an interpreter and the opportunity to seek legal counsel.

6th Amendment – Right to Legal Representation

If you are arrested, you have the right to seek an attorney. In immigration cases, unlike criminal cases, the government does not provide a free attorney—but you can seek help from an accredited legal service provider. Always ask to contact a lawyer and do not sign any documents before speaking to an attorney. 

Sign up to Attend a Know Your Rights (KYR) training!
Watch a Recording of a Know Your Rights (KYR) training
Download our Know Your Rights (KYR) cards 
Download the Know Your Rights (KYR) One Pager! 
Seek Legal Counsel 

What to Do if You are Detained by ICE

  • You have the Right to Remain Silent
  • Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney first
  • You have the right to speak to a lawyer – Ask ICE for a list of free or low-cost legal aid groups. Your consulate may also help you find a lawyer.
  • Right to Calls & Visits: You can call and receive visits from your lawyer, consulate, and family.
  • Get your A-Number (A#) and share it with your family – This is a unique 9-digit identification number assigned by immigration authorities.
  • Right to Request Bond: You may be eligible for bond, which allows you to be released while your case is pending. If ICE sets no bond or a high amount, you can request a bond hearing with a judge. Helpful documents include pay stubs, lease agreements, and support letters.
  • Bond Assistance: If you cannot afford bond, contact a bond fund:

What to Do if Your Loved one is Detained by ICE

Being detained by ICE can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help protect you or your loved one. The most important things to do right away are:

  • Find their A-Number (A#) – This is a unique 9-digit identification number assigned by immigration authorities. It can be found on past immigration documents or will be given by ICE after an arrest.
  • Locate the detained person – Use ICE’s online detainee locator tool (locator.ice.gov) to find them by A# or personal details.
  • Contact the detention facility – Call to check visitation policies, set up phone accounts, and learn how to send money for commissary needs. You can find the website for the GEO Detention Center in Aurora here.

Understanding the Legal Process

Not everyone detained by ICE has the right to a court hearing. People with prior deportations, outstanding removal orders, or certain criminal convictions may face expedited removal without seeing a judge. Others will be given a Notice to Appear (NTA), starting formal removal proceedings. To check a court hearing date, use the immigration court portal (acis.eoir.justice.gov) or call 1-800-898-7180. If detained, ask for time to find an attorney before making any legal decisions.

Getting Legal Help & Seeking Release

  • Find a lawyer – Immigration court does not provide free attorneys, so reach out to trusted legal organizations or call NIJC’s Detention Project at (773) 672-6599
    • Detained immigrants call collect at (312) 583-9721 or use the pro bono platform and NIJC’s 3-digit code, 565.
  • Request a bond hearing – Some detainees may be eligible for release on bond, but those with prior deportations or certain convictions may not qualify. It’s best to prepare evidence and letters of support before a bond hearing.
  • Be cautious of fraud – Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can give legal advice. Avoid notarios who are not authorized to practice immigration law.

Taking action quickly and knowing your rights can make a difference. If detained, stay silent, do not sign anything, and ask to speak to a lawyer. For more information, visit this link.

Expedited Removal

  • On January 21, 2025, DHS expanded “expedited removal,” allowing ICE to deport people anywhere in the U.S. without the right to see a judge if they cannot prove two years of continuous residence.

  • To protect yourself:
    • Carry documents showing you have lived in the U.S. for at least two years (rent receipts, medical records, school records, etc.).
    • If detained, say you are afraid to return to your home country if this applies to you.
    • Do not sign anything without legal advice.

Family Preparedness Packets: Plan Ahead to Protect Your Loved Ones

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and being prepared is the best way to protect your family. Whether you’re facing an ICE encounter or another urgent situation, having a clear plan in place ensures your loved ones are cared for and essential needs are met. A Family Preparedness Packet can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your family’s future.

Family Preparedness Packets

Emergency Contact List:

  • Keep a record of trusted family members, friends, attorneys, and community organizations who can provide support.

Powers of Attorney for Childcare and Finances:

  • Assign a trusted individual to make decisions about your child’s care and manage your finances if you are unavailable.
  • Templates and guidance for completing these forms are included.

Instructions for Accessing Important Documents:

  • Compile and safely store copies of key documents such as:
    • Birth certificates
    • Passports
    • “A” number or immigration paperwork
    • Medical records
    • Lease agreements or mortgage documents
  • Provide instructions for trusted family members or friends on how to access these documents.

To help you get started, we’ve created a document to help you prepare (in Spanish here) to fill out the Family Preparedness Packet. These resources explain how to complete each section of the packet and offer tips for securely storing and sharing the information with trusted individuals.

Share Your Plan: Make sure to discuss your packet with family members or trusted friends and ensure they know how to access it in case of an emergency.

Colorado-Specific Protections

Colorado has some of the strongest protections for immigrant rights in the nation, ensuring that families are kept together and communities are safer. Here are key protections and laws that every Coloradan should know:

Prohibitions on ICE Activity Around Courthouses:

  • ICE cannot make arrests in or around courthouses or when someone is on their way to or from court.
  • Probation officers are prohibited from sharing information with ICE.

Protections for Individuals in Jail Custody:

  • You must be informed of your right to refuse an interview with ICE while in jail.
  • If you post bond for someone who is then deported, you are entitled to a full refund.

Anti-Extortion and Coercion Protections:

  • It is illegal to threaten to report someone’s immigration status to force them to pay money, do something illegal, or prevent them from reporting a crime.

Limits on Collaboration with ICE:

  • Police departments cannot hold someone for ICE beyond their scheduled release date and police cannot arrest someone based solely on their immigration status.
  • IGSA contracts (allowing local jails to rent beds to ICE for detention) are prohibited.

Protection of Personal Information:

  • State agencies cannot share personal identifying information with ICE unless ICE provides a warrant or subpoena.
  • Third-party entities can only access state databases if they sign an agreement not to share information with ICE.
  • State agencies can only collect immigration status when required by state or federal law.

Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents:

  • Colorado provides the ability for ALL residents, regardless of their immigration status, to obtain a driver’s license.

Colorado’s protections are designed to support families, promote safety, and uphold the rights of all residents. Together, we can ensure these rights are respected and preserved. If you or someone you know has experienced violations of these protections, please contact the Attorney General’s office.

Report ICE Activity: Colorado Rapid Response Network Hotline

If you witness ICE activity or experience an interaction with ICE, the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CRRN) is here to help. This community-driven system connects you with trained volunteers and legal resources to protect your rights and document critical information.

  • Call: 1-844-864-8341
  • Dial 1 to speak with a dispatcher immediately.
  • What to Expect:
    • The dispatcher will ask for detailed information about the location and situation.
    • Trained volunteers will be sent to the scene to:
      • Record the event.
      • Identify participating ICE agents.
      • Remind those involved of their constitutional rights.
  • After the Incident:
    • Volunteers will follow up to connect you with a local member of CIRC’s statewide DocuTeam.
    • The DocuTeam will help you document the event and refer you to trusted legal resources if necessary.
  • Call: 1-844-864-8341
  • Dial 2 to leave a message.
    • Provide your phone number and the name of your town.
  • Follow-Up:
    • A local DocuTeam member will reach out within 3-4 business days to work with you on documenting the incident.
  • Monitor ICE Activity: Reports help detect patterns of collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement.
  • Strengthen Advocacy: Testimonies from directly impacted individuals shape legislative efforts, such as Colorado’s successful repeal of the “show me your papers” law in 2013.
  • Empower Communities: Build a statewide network to resist deportations and protect families.
  • You witness ICE activity in your community.
  • You are unsure if ICE is operating in your area and want confirmation.
  • You or someone you know has had a past interaction with ICE that needs documentation.

Together, we can monitor, document, and challenge unjust immigration enforcement while ensuring the safety and rights of everyone in our communities.

👉 Save the Hotline Number: 1-844-864-8341

Get Involved!

When systems fail us or intentionally try to harm us, we step up to keep each other safe. By coming together, sharing resources, participating in trainings, and taking collective action, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that stand against injustice and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. Join us in this important work and be part of a movement dedicated to protecting and uplifting our shared humanity.

  • Become a Member: Join a local organization or form your own collective group to become a member of our coalition!
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support advocacy efforts, workshops, or rapid response networks.
  • Sign Up for Updates: Stay connected with the latest resources, events, and advocacy opportunities by subscribing to our updates.
  • Attend a Training: Join an upcoming Know Your Rights workshop to deepen your own understanding of your rights, or a Train-the-Trainer workshop to empower your community and learn how to lead your own trainings.
  • Support the CORRN Hotline: Sign up for trainings for the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN) and join our volunteer network.
  • Spread the Word: Share these resources with your family, friends, and community to ensure more people are prepared and informed.

Your involvement is essential to building a more inclusive Colorado and nation where the dignity of all people is respected!

 

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