In Public

You have rights in public spaces, though they are more limited than at home. Here’s how to protect yourself.

If Approached by Officers

Stay Calm

Keep your hands visible
Do not run
Do not resist physically

Ask if You Are Free to Go

“Am I free to go?”

If yes, walk away calmly. If no, you are being detained.

Exercise Your Right to Silence

“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

You do not have to answer questions about:

Your name (in most states)
Where you were born
Your immigration status
Where you are going

“I do not consent to a search.”

Officers may pat you down for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion, but you do not have to consent to further searches.

Specific Public Situations

Grocery Store / Shopping

You cannot be detained simply for shopping
Store security has limited authority
If police arrive, exercise your rights

Public Transportation

On buses and trains, you have the same rights
Border Patrol may operate checkpoints within 100 miles of borders
Even at checkpoints, you can remain silent about immigration status

Walking on the Street

Police need reasonable suspicion to stop you
You can ask: “Am I being detained?”
If not, you can walk away

At a Protest or Public Gathering

You have First Amendment rights to protest
Carry ID if you choose to (not required everywhere)
Know your local legal observer hotline

The 100-Mile Border Zone

Border Patrol has expanded authority within 100 miles of any US border (including coastlines). This covers about 2/3 of the US population.

Even in this zone:

You can remain silent
You can refuse consent to vehicle searches (though they may search anyway)
You do not have to answer questions about immigration status

If You Are Detained in Public

Stay calm and do not resist
Say clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with an attorney.”
Do not sign anything
Remember: badge numbers, agency (police, ICE, CBP), time, location
Contact your cell or attorney as soon as possible

Safety Tips

Before Going Out

Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return
Carry your rights card — print and keep with you
Know your legal contact number by heart
Consider the Transporter segment for high-risk trips

If You See Immigration Enforcement

Do not approach or interfere
Document from a safe distance if possible
Alert your cell through secure channels
You have the right to observe and record (from a safe distance)

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