Know Your Rights Resources
As we find ourselves in the midst of this 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.
Know Your Rights in Illinois
TRUST Act:
The TRUST Act was established in 2017 to separate local policing from federal civil immigration enforcement, allowing immigrants to seek help from local police without risking deportation. Crafted and championed by the Campaign for a Welcoming Illinois, this legislation protects the people by directing Illinois police to focus on crimes, not status. Officers may not stop, search, arrest, detain, or hold someone past release solely due to their immigration or citizenship status, and they may not honor ICE detainers or administrative (non-judge-signed) warrants. By removing civil immigration from routine policing, the law encourages victims and witnesses—especially survivors of violence and community members with mixed-status families—to feel comfortable with filing reports and cooperating with local law. In 2021, Illinois strengthened these protections through the Way Forward Act, which reversed harmful immigration laws that have historically resulted in the disproportionate incarceration and deportation of immigrants and people of color. The WFA resists against federal agendas by banning immigration detention in Illinois through ending and forbidding ICE jail contracts, and barring local law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status. The TRUST act works to establish a public-safety system built on trust and reporting rather than fear.
For more information:
https://immigrantjustice.org/press-release/trust-act-signed-into-law-in-illinois/
https://latinopolicyforum.org/illinois-trust-act-success-governor-rauner-signs-into-law-2/
Know Your Rights Cards
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has printable Know Your Rights (KYR) Cards available on their website. These come in 13 different languages and can be printed, folded, and carried with you to be handed to an ICE officer in the case of an interaction. We also have physical KYR Cards available at our office. To download and print KYR cards and for further resources, click here or click on the image above.
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.
ICIRR Rapid Response Trainings
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR) holds weekly Rapid Response trainings, where they will train you on the important steps to take when you or a loved one sees ICE in your neighborhood. These trainings are held virtually and are free.
Click the image above to be taken to a list of all the upcoming trainings, then follow the appropriate links to sign up for a training session.
Know Your Rights Information from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) 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. You can also click on the images above to download PDF versions of their KYR fact sheets.
In English
En Español
ONE Northside Neighbor to Neighbor Rapid Response Network
ONE Northside, a northside organization uniting Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Ravenswood, North Center, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, is coordinating Rapid Response efforts to support vulnerable members of our communities. Their Neighbor-to-Neighbor network empowers trusted allies to help vulnerable people reduce their risks. This can mean help with everyday tasks like getting groceries, running errands, school pick up and drop off, or more time-intensive help like filling out documents, and accompanying folks to appointments.
If you are looking to create a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Network in an existing institution (school, church, or otherwise), click here for more info.
If you are an individual not connected to an existing institution and would like to volunteer for a Neighbor-to-Neighbor network, please fill out this volunteer intake form here.
DHS Online Detainee Locator System
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has an Online Detainee Locator System on their website. You can use the tool to locate loved ones using their first and last name, A-Number, and country of birth.
To access this resource, visit here: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/
For information regarding how to locate an A-Number, see this document.
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
What to Do if You or a Loved One Is Detained
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.
Know Your Rights: People Experiencing Homelessness Encountering ICE
In English
En Español
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.
Additionally, they also have KYR fact sheets you can access by clicking the images above.
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
Know Your Rights Informational Packet
In English
En Español
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) has compiled a Know Your Rights Information Packet. Click on either of the above images to open up the PDF.
Children & Family
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.
You can also read the full text of the CPS Welcoming District Resolution.
City of Chicago Family Preparedness Plan
In English
En Español
The City of Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) has put together a Family Preparedness Plan resource. Click on the images above to access PDF versions in English and Spanish.
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
A Guide for Parents in Illinois Who Are Undocumented
In English
En Español
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 in both English and Spanish.
Attorneys & Legal Assistance
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 Legal Support Hotlines
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
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Illinois Immigration Info: Legal Assistance Workshops and Clinics
Additional Resources
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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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.
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
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 full document above.
How Non-Chicagoans Can Help
You may have friends and family from outside of Chicago seeing what is happening in our amazing city and ask how they can help. Feel free to download the pdf below and send it to them. It offers a list of things folks can do to help spread awareness of the situation in the city as well as help fund ongoing efforts to resist the Trump administration's occupation of Chicago.
Click the image above to be taken to the PDF.