Knowing your rights can help you stay safe and prepared when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), opens a new window or local law enforcement officers. Everyone in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, has rights and is protected under the U.S. Constitution, opens a new window.
Check out the resources available in the County of San Mateo, opens a new window to help you prepare, make a plan and find support.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with local and state laws and your rights when interacting with ICE and local law enforcement. Don't be afraid, try to maintain calm and remember that you have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.
- County of San Mateo Know Your Rights Resources, opens a new window
- San Mateo County Libraries: Know Your Rights Workshops
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Know Your Rights Toolkit, opens a new window
- ACLU: Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement and Warrants, opens a new window
- ACLU: Know Your Rights: Local Law Enforcement and Immigration Under the California Values Act (SB 54), opens a new window
- ACLU Know Your Rights: If ICE Confronts You , opens a new window
Find Immigrants Services and Legal Assistance
Learn about the legal service providers, hotlines and rapid response resources available in your area for free or at a low cost.
- County of San Mateo Rapid Response Hotline, opens a new window
- County of San Mateo Free and Low Cost Legal Providers, opens a new window
- San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs: Immigrant Services Resources and Information , opens a new window
- California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice: California Rapid Response Networks , opens a new window
- Immigration Advocates Network: National Immigration Legal Services Directory, opens a new window
- Faith in Action Bay Area Community Response Resources , opens a new window
Family Preparedness Plan and Resources
Have a family preparedness plan in case of immigration-related emergencies. Resources are available to help you create a plan, including information on childcare, legal rights and trusted community support.
How To Get Red Cards
Red Cards provide helpful tips and inform you of your rights during interactions with ICE. You can pick up Red Cards at any San Mateo County Libraries location or through various community service providers. They are also available to order online or print at home.
Stories of Immigrants
Check out these great reads of triumph and inspiring stories of dreamers who made it through hardships to make a better life for themselves and their families.
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