#KnowYourRights: Police Stops
A Guide to Police Stops and ICE Encounters in Central Florida
Understanding your rights is essential in protecting yourself and your loved ones from police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encounters. Hope CommUnity Center focuses on teaching people in Central Florida about their rights during these situations:
If you are on the street and stopped by police, it’s important to stay calm and not flee. You can ask the officer if you can leave by asking, “Am I free to go?” You are not required to answer any other questions and have the right to remain silent. Furthermore, you can refuse to be searched, but the officer may still search you if they have probable cause.
If you are stopped by ICE or the police while driving, keep your hands on the dashboard and do not take off your seat belt. Stay in the car and do not get out unless the officer asks you to. You only have to give your name, and you have the right to remain silent. Do not lie or show false documents.
If ICE comes to your house, do not open the door. Instead, ask the officer for identification and if they have a warrant. If they present one, review it carefully and make sure it has your name, address, and a judge’s signature. Without this, the officer may not enter your home.
If ICE comes to your workplace, stay calm and do not flee. Give only your name, and you have the right to remain silent. Do not lie or show false documents. It’s also a good idea to develop an emergency plan with your coworkers just in case ICE stops by your workplace.
Please take a moment to read over these #KnowYourRights cards HCC has created for you. You can print them out and carry them on you, just in case you run into one of these situations.
