What to Do if you are Stopped by Border Patrol

If a Border Patrol agent stops you on the street and begins asking questions about your immigration status in the United States, such as where you were born, where you live, where you're coming from, or whether you have documents, you do not have to answer those questions.

After learning this, remember that if you choose to answer the agent’s questions, you should never lie about your immigration status, as doing so could have serious consequences.

Another important point is that if you are detained on the street, you have the right to speak with an attorney. In fact, before answering any questions about your background or immigration status, you should speak with a lawyer.

On the other hand, if you have valid immigration documents, you can show them if the agent asks for them. Remember, the law requires that immigrants who have valid documents carry them at all times.

Something very important that you should memorize if you are undocumented: if the Border Patrol approaches you on the street or in a public place, you do not have to answer their questions or provide identification. The first thing you should do is ask if you are free to leave. If they tell you that you are not free to leave, you are under arrest, which means you have the right to remain silent, as we mentioned at the beginning.

For more information and contacts for organizations that advocate for immigrant rights, visit UFW, UCLA, and ACLU.