Resource

Immigration Resource Center

July 21, 2026
Immigration Resource Center

Introduction

For families who are LGBTQ+, immigrant, multiracial, undocumented, or living at the intersections of these identities who carry so much uncertainty, grief, and exhaustion as you navigate how to protect your children, your partners, and your communities in moments that feel increasingly unpredictable — you’re not alone.

Explore the resource center to stay informed about the resources available to help you navigate the current administration’s anti-immigrant agenda.

Know your rights

The U.S. Constitution guarantees rights to all people, regardless of their immigration status. We all have the freedom to exercise them, and educate each other about them.

Even if someone has broken or is breaking the law, we all have the right to inform them of their legal rights.

Download Know Your Rights Cards

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides graphics in English and Spanish (Español) for sharing with those who need to be aware of their legal rights.

Additionally, they have graphics you can download to your phone and set as your lock screen background, allowing you to quickly view your rights if you are stopped by law enforcement or ICE without unlocking your phone.

Can I record or distribute information about ICE or police activity?

Yes. You have the right to discuss and make public any accurate information you legally obtain, including information about the actions and locations of law enforcement.

You have the right to take pictures of anything that is in plain sight when you are in a public area, including law enforcement.

Law enforcement may order you to stop recording that are interfering with law enforcement. Still, they are not allowed to seize or demand to see your photos or videos without a warrant or erase data in any situation.

If ICE arrives at your home

  1. You do not have to open the door. If you do, don’t panic; you have rights.
  2. Ask why they are there, and if you require an interpreter, request one.
  3. If they request entry, ask if they have a judge-signed warrant and, if so, request to see it (through a window or slipped under the door).
  4. If they do not have a judge-signed warrant, you may deny them entry. Request that they leave any information at your door.
  5. If they enter by force, do not resist. Request that everyone in the house to remain silent.
  6. You have the right to remain silent if you are taken into custody. Do not sign anything until you have consulted a lawyer.

Note: Make sure to know what to look out for and how to respond. Explore the National Immigration Law Center’s fact sheet to learn about the differences between a subpoena and a warrant — two documents used by immigration agencies to coerce cooperation.

Back to School Safety

  1. Create a family immigration raid emergency plan. Gather important documents for children, like passports, birth certificate, Social Security cards, school and medical records. Identify at least two willing caregivers and write down their contact information. Save money for legal fees/bonds.
  2. Identify a local organization or attorney that can help. Find out who in your community provides free legal support services. Find an organization or an immigration attorney near you.
  3. Keep a “Know your rights” card with you. These cards state that you would like to exercise your right to remain silent and that you would like to speak to an attorney.



donut

Know Your Rights: Family Safety & Community Defense Against ICE

Family Equality partnered with Immigration Equality for a Know Your Rights training. With increasing reports of wrongful detentions based on ethnicity, race, language and/or job, it’s crucial our community knows how to protect themselves and their neighbors from ICE raids — whether at home, in their cars, or in public spaces. The training also covers critical steps to take, including creating an emergency plan and knowing what to do if a loved one is arrested by U.S. immigration authorities.

View the training

Create a sanctuary home

Our homes can serve as effective hubs for moral action. In response to the current administration’s threat to deport one million people in the U.S., Hand in Hand has created a sanctuary home program for domestic employers. This is a great program for those who employ domestic workers to demonstrate solidarity, learn about immigrant rights, and build trust. 

Build trust as a fair employer

Being a fair employer is the best way to establish trust and provide support. Start by implementing the practices below:

  • Provide time off or schedule adjustment. If the employee in your home is being targeted by ICE, they might be able to take care of themselves or their loved ones by taking time off or changing their schedule.
  • Assist with transportation. Employees may be afraid to leave their homes or take public transportation due to the increase in ICE raids
  • Make sure there are breaks for meals and trust. Taking breaks allows them to stay connected with their loved ones during these difficult times.

You can also take things a step further and look over Hand in Hand’s sample work agreements to see what additional support you can provide to domestic workers.

waves

Explore Hand in Hand’s resources

If you’re a domestic, homecare, or nanny employer, explore the resources to support and protect the employees in your home. View national or state-specific (California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C.) guides today!

Contact your legislators

Contact your local and state leaders to demand policies that protect immigrant families, prioritize de-escalation, and ensure schools and community spaces remain safe.

To find your elected officials, use USA.gov’s “Find and Contact Elected Officials” tool. You can also take action by urging your members of Congress to oppose mass ICE raids through the National Immigration Law Center’s action alert.

Additional support

If you’re looking for additional resources to help navigate the current administration’s anti-immigration agenda, explore the following:

donut

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
Share this article