President Trump’s decision to send federal forces, and National Guard troops, reflects his authoritarian desire to control any community guided by policies and principles that conflict with his political agenda. There is no emergency that merits sending federal forces and the National Guard – without the request, approval or cooperation of state and local officials – into Chicago, and the presence of these forces will only make our city less safe and less secure. The action will result in violations of basic rights and liberties of people across the city.
Facts About Trump’s Sending Federal Forces and he National Guard to Chicago:
- In August the Donald Trump announced that he was considering deploying the National Guard in Chicago.
- There is no emergency that requires the introduction of federal forces and the National Guard in the city. These federal forces and the National Guard are not here to advance public safety; they are part of Trump’s larger program to intimidate and stoke fear among people who do not share his vision for mass deportation and detention and other policies that threaten the civil rights and civil liberties of residents across Chicago.
- In Los Angeles and Washington, DC – where Trump already has sent in federal forces and National Guard troops to the streets of those communities – we have seen widespread abuse of fundamental rights: the right to protest; the press’s right to cover protest and civil rights abuses; the use of excessive force by federal agents (especially by ICE in federal civil immigration enforcement); and the widespread use of racial profiling, with federal agents stopping and detaining people simply because of their racial background or because they are present in heavily immigrant neighborhoods.
- The ACLU challenged these abuses in Los Angeles, winning key court rulings that blocked federal officers from interfering with the press’s coverage of their activities and engaging in certain types of unconstitutional arrests and detentions.
Know Your Rights:
The following information is not legal advice. It is, however, a resource to help you understand what your rights are when encountering law enforcement or military troops in Chicago.
In deciding how and when to interact with law enforcement or the National Guard, it is important to recognize that your safety matters. At times, staying safe may mean obeying any direct commands, even if you feel you are being treated unfairly or illegally.
- You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
- You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home. Do not obstruct if the officer continues to conduct the search anyway. Clearly say: “I do not consent to a search.”
- If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
- You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
- Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.
We recommend that you:
- Keep your hands where law enforcement can see them;
- Do not run away;
- Do not lie to law enforcement.
Interacting with law enforcement: website | printable card
Protesting: website | printable card
If You're Asked About Your Immigration Status:
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you’re a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.
- Do not lie about your citizenship status, your name, or provide false documents.
- If you’re not a U.S. citizen and have valid immigration documents, you should show them only if an immigration agent requests them.
Know Your Rights If Stopped by ICE
If You Witness Police or Military Activity:
- You have a right to tell people about their rights.
- You have the right to photograph or film anything in plain view, including federal buildings and law enforcement. But you should not interfere.
- You can ask for officers’ names and badge numbers, as well as ask whom to call with questions about any arrests or actions by any federal agents. If possible, write these down, along with any other relevant observations.