Know Your Rights Resources
As we head into this next presidential administration, we’re incredibly mindful of how many of our neighbors are concerned about what they might be facing. Trump and his appointees have explicitly threatened that their promised mass deportations will begin in Chicago, sending fear and anger through so many communities. On January 15, 2025, the Chicago City Council upheld the city’s Sanctuary City Ordinance, reinforcing the message that city resources will not be utilized in support of any ICE activities here. Sponsors of the failed ordinance that sought to weaken the law claimed that it would only be used against criminals and, without clarity on what crimes would qualify for deportation, that label could apply to many if not most of the folks we see and regard as our neighbors every day.
In an effort to continue to provide resources to our neighbors, we have created this resource page that we will continuously update as new information becomes available. Each graphic may be clicked on to open up a printable PDF version. If you have more resources you think may be useful, please feel free to email them to us at info@repcassidy.com.
Just Security created a Litigation Tracker, where you can track legal challenges against the Trump Administration.
September 2025 Updates
As the Trump Administration continues to rack up its cruel offensive against vulnerable people in our communities, we continue to remain vigilant and share helpful resources. With the recent threat of the federalization of our National Guard, below are some updated resources.
Please click on each image for the full, downloaded PDF.
For Loved Ones of Detained Individuals: The Resurrection Project
The Resurrection Project (TRP) is a social impact organization working to support Chicago residents in housing, immigration, and community organizing assistance.
If a loved one is detained by ICE:
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TRP will reach out to the person who filled out the form within 48 hours
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The case will get referred for legal representation at TRP or a partner organization and a legal rep will contact the detained individual for intake
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Take the case for representation or refer out
Additional Resources
Update 9/10/2025 -The Civitas ChildLaw Center at Loyola University Chicago School of Law has updated its comprehensive legal guide to assist parents who are undocumented in safety planning for their children. Please click on the image for a full downloadable PDF version of the guide, linked here in both English and Spanish.
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) has put together a comprehensive list of steps of what to do if you or a loved one has been detained by ICE. This ranges from locating someone in detainment to finding an attorney. Click the above image to go their website and visit this resource.
Illinois Immigration Info: Legal Assistance Workshops and Clinics
Know Your Rights Information from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
In English
En Español
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), an organization that is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees, has put together a variety of Know Your Rights resources. To find more information about ICIRR, their programs, services, and resources, visit www.icirr.org.
Know Your Rights Cards
A KYR Card in multiple languages
A KYR Card in English and Spanish
ICIRR has also put together Know Your Rights Cards. These come in a variety of languages and can be printed, folded, and carried with you to be handed to an ICE officer in the case of an interaction. We will also have copies of these printed at our office.
ICIRR's IL Eyes on ICE Text Network
Click above to join and get more information about ICIRR's Eyes on ICE Text Network, where you can stay up to date on verified ICE sightings, and other Know Your Rights updates and more.
NIJC July 2025 Immigration Fee Changes
From the Document: Congress imposed exorbitant fees for immigration applications — then the Trump administration made it even worse. In July 2025, Congress changed the immigration landscape for years to come using a budget bill to codify some of the Trump administration’s most hateful anti-immigrant proposals. This included the imposition of new “fees” or fines to access basic humanitarian protection, work permits, and more. Congress also allowed federal agencies to raise those fees by regulation or on a yearly basis. Within weeks, the two agencies responsible for collecting fees — the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) — issued agency memoranda and notices to layer the fee increases passed by Congress on top of existing fees. As a result, many forms of immigration relief will become unaffordable for the most vulnerable immigrants and asylum seekers.
See above for full document.
ISBE Releases Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions
From the Document: The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has received numerous requests as it relates to enforcement actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or one of its associated agencies (e.g., U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection) on school property. This document is intended to serve as non-regulatory guidance for public schools that are searching for more information in this area.
Click on the image above for full document.
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Related: You can also read the full text of the CPS Welcoming District Resolution.
Know Your Rights: People experiencing homelessness encountering ICE
The Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness has put together a guide, learn how to prepare a safety plan, understand different types of warrants—including what is needed for legal searches of private property —and how to respond if approached by an ICE officer. You'll also find a list of legal resources focused on immigration issues. Remember, everyone in the U.S. has rights, regardless of immigration or housing status.
In English
En Español
Guardianship Considerations
Access to Justice has created a frequently asked questions document with things to consider if someone is taken into ICE detainment with guardianship over a child/children at home. Click on the graphic above to access this document.
Emergency Family Plan Packet
Access to Justice, The Resurrection Project, and the Chicago Legal Fund have partnered to create this Emergency Family Plan packet that you can fill out and print to have your family be ready in case of an emergency. (In both English and Spanish Below)
In English
En Español
Organized Communities Against Deportation: Is It A Raid?
OCAD has put together a handy guide on how to report immigration activity while avoiding spreading misinformation and causing a panic. It is important that we watch out for ICE, but make sure that the information that you are spreading is credible.
In English
En Español
Chicago Tribune: If you’re arrested by ICE in Illinois, what happens next? Legal experts explain the process.
Click the photo above to see a Chicago Tribune article
Immigration Attorney Referral List
ICIRR has created a list of immigration attorneys in the Chicagoland area noting what languages they speak, their specialties, etc. Click on the image above to expand this list.
ICIRR Agency Referral List
Additionally, ICIRR has provided a list of non-profit agencies providing free or low-cost assistance with immigration matters. They are broken down by type of immigration case/application, deportation defense being one of them.
Additional Attorney Resources
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National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC): If you are detained, or are calling about someone in detention: Call the NIJC Detention Project at (773) 672-6599 on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Detained immigrants call collect at (312) 583-9721 or use the pro bono platform and NIJC's 3-digit code, 565. immigrantjustice.org/contact-us
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Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA): MIDA provides free legal services to eligible immigrants in detention through the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), The Resurrection Project (TRP), The Immigration Project (TIP), and the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender (CCPD). If a MIDA representative is present the day of your first hearing, you might have the opportunity to request a free representative, but MIDA representation is not always available. immigrantjustice.org/midwest-immigrant-defenders-alliance
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Immigrant Advocates directory: www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory
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American Immigration Lawyers Association directory: ailalawyer.com
Other Helpful Resources and Links
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Know Your Immigrant Rights: A Guide to Protecting Yourself (NS Legal Aid)
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How to Avoid Immigration Fraud (NIJC)
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CPS Guidance and Resources Regarding New Presidential Administration
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Update 9/8/2025: Updated guidance with tips on staying safe as students travel to-and-from school and around their communities
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Family Preparedness Workshops hosted by the City of Chicago's Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) every Thursday evening in September. Details can be found here.
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The Illinois Human Rights Commission website where you can find information on the Illinois Human Rights Act.
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Sample administrative and judicial warrants (NIJC), signed and not signed by a judge, (scroll down to middle of the page and click on each picture to zoom in)
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ICIRR Family Support Network Hotline
1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY
(1-855-435-7693)
-Hotline is staffed in English/Spanish/Korean/Polish
-Can connect immigrant community to social services, legal aid, policy updates, financial assistance, and law enforcement
-Is a place to report ICE activity/provides support to locate someone in ICE custody
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Illinois Immigration Info has volunteer opportunities for both legal professionals and non-legal professionals. Please see the following link for up-to-date volunteer opportunities based on current needs.