• ANY law enforcement agent may try to ask you questions about your background, immigration status, family members and colleagues, among other topics. This includes not just Immigration, but also local and state police and federal agents from several different law enforcement agencies.

• 'Immigration’ usually refers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). ICE and CBP are in charge of immigration enforcement within the United States and at the border, respectively. ICE agents often impersonate ‘police’ by wearing police badges, tactical gear, and other police indicia, and by announcing themselves as police.

• DO NOT let Immigration into your home and DO NOT step outside. Immigration must have a warrant signed by a judge or an occupant’s consent to enter your home. ICE will often trick you into giving consent by saying they are investigating a crime or need to “take a quick look around” or “come in to talk.” They might also show you a warrant that isn’t signed by a judge.

• ASK to see the warrant. They can slip it under the door or hold it up to a window. Do not step outside.

• CHECK if the warrant is signed by a judge. If they do not have a warrant or it isn’t signed by a judge, say, “I don’t want to talk right now.” or “I do not have to let you in.”

• You generally have the right to REMAIN SILENT. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, where you live, where you are from, or whether you have documents. Even if you have answered some of their questions, you can decide to not answer more questions. You should never lie about your immigration status, as that can have serious consequences.

• You have the right to SPEAK TO A LAWYER. You should speak to a lawyer before you answer questions about your background or immigration status.

• If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them when asked. The law requires immigrants who have been issued valid immigration documents to carry those documents with them at all times. If you are undocumented, you can refuse to answer questions about your immigration status or whether you have documents.

• You may be required to provide your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If you're driving, law enforcement can request these documents during a checkpoint stop. You should comply with this request, as they are legally required documents. However, you are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or provide additional information beyond these documents.

• You generally have the right to REMAIN SILENT. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, where you live, where you are from, or whether you have documents. Even if you have answered some of their questions, you can decide to not answer more questions. You should never lie about your immigration status, as that can have serious consequences.

• You have the right to SPEAK TO A LAWYER. You should speak to a lawyer before you answer questions about your background or immigration status.

• If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them when asked. The law requires immigrants who have been issued valid immigration documents to carry those documents with them at all times. If you are undocumented, you can refuse to answer questions about your immigration status or whether you have documents.

• You have the right to REMAIN SILENT. You do not have to answer any questions about your immigration status, background, or your colleagues. If you answer questions, Immigration may ask you for your immigration documents.

• DO NOT attempt to run away. Immigration will suspect that you are undocumented and attempt to arrest you. It is safer to continue working, ask if you are being detained, and calmly ask if you may leave.

• Law enforcement can stop, detain, or search you if they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ that you are involved in criminal activity. However, law enforcement cannot search you based on your race, gender, religious, or country of origin.

• Law enforcement have the authority to ask you about your immigration status, the purpose of your visit, and other questions to determine whether you have permission to enter the U.S.

• Remaining silent can result in law enforcement denying you entry into the U.S. You can choose not to answer questions, but law enforcement can and likely will deny you permission to enter the U.S.

• You DO NOT have the right to have an attorney when you are being questioned about your immigration status. But you can have an attorney present for questions unrelated to your status.

• You have the right to claim fear of returning to your home country. If you are told that you do not have permission to enter the U.S., but you fear persecution or torture if sent back to your home country, tell the border agent and ask for asylum. You may be eligible for immigration relief.

• ALWAYS SPEAK to an immigration lawyer before leaving the U.S. In some cases, if you leave, you may not be allowed to come back into the country for a certain number of years.

The City of Duarte remains committed to the safety and well-being of all our residents. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please refer to the resources below:

Legal and Community Support Hotlines

     • ACLU of Southern California: (213) 977-5253

     • CHIRLA's Immigrant Assistance Line: (888) 624-4752

     • Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline: (213) 833-8283

Local Elected Officials

     • Congressman Gil Cisneros: (626) 646-0369

     • Senator Susan Rubio: (626) 430-2499

     • Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio: (626) 960-4457

     • Supervisor Kathryn Barger: (213) 974-55555

Other Support Services

     • The General Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles: (520) 623-7874

Please stay informed, be safe, and share this information with your networks. Duarte is proud to be a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community.

No. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) does not enforce federal immigration laws. LASD Deputies are prohibited from asking about a person's immigration status during routine traffic stops or calls for service.

Click here to learn about how to identify Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) personnel.