Scripts & Phrases
Scripts & Phrases
Section titled “Scripts & Phrases”Having prepared responses helps you exercise your rights under pressure. Practice these phrases until they feel natural.
Core Phrases to Memorize
Section titled “Core Phrases to Memorize”The Essential Three
Section titled “The Essential Three”1. Right to remain silent:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
2. Right to refuse search:
“I do not consent to a search.”
3. Right to an attorney:
“I want to speak with a lawyer.”
Additional Key Phrases
Section titled “Additional Key Phrases”Asking about detention:
“Am I free to go?”
Refusing entry:
“I do not consent to your entry.”
Asking about warrants:
“Do you have a judicial warrant signed by a judge?”
At Your Door
Section titled “At Your Door”Scenario: Someone Knocks
Section titled “Scenario: Someone Knocks”Through the closed door:
“Who is it?”
(They identify as police/ICE)
“What is this about?”
(They say they need to speak with you)
“I am not opening the door. Do you have a warrant?”
If They Claim to Have a Warrant
Section titled “If They Claim to Have a Warrant”“Please slide the warrant under the door so I can see it.”
If it’s an ICE administrative warrant:
“I see this is an ICE warrant, not a judicial warrant signed by a judge. This does not give you authority to enter my home. I do not consent to your entry.”
If it’s a judicial warrant:
“I understand you have a judicial warrant. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.”
If They Threaten to Break In
Section titled “If They Threaten to Break In”“I do not consent to your entry. Please note that I am not resisting, but I do not consent.”
On the Street
Section titled “On the Street”Initial Contact
Section titled “Initial Contact”When approached:
“Am I free to go?”
If yes: Walk away calmly without saying more.
If no:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not consent to a search. I want to speak with a lawyer.”
When Asked Questions
Section titled “When Asked Questions”“Where are you from?”
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
“What is your immigration status?”
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
“Where do you live?”
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
“Can I see your papers?”
“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not consent to a search.”
When Asked for ID
Section titled “When Asked for ID”On the street (not driving):
“Am I required to show ID? Am I being detained?”
Note: Some states have “stop and identify” laws. Know your state’s laws.
In a Vehicle
Section titled “In a Vehicle”During a Traffic Stop
Section titled “During a Traffic Stop”When asked for documents:
“Here is my license, registration, and insurance.”
When asked about immigration:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
When asked to search the vehicle:
“I do not consent to a search of my vehicle.”
If they search anyway:
“I do not consent to this search. I am not resisting, but I do not consent.”
At Work
Section titled “At Work”If ICE Enters the Workplace
Section titled “If ICE Enters the Workplace”If asked questions:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
If told to show documents:
“Do you have a warrant? I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
If asked about coworkers:
“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
If Detained
Section titled “If Detained”At the Scene
Section titled “At the Scene”“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not consent to any search. I want to speak with a lawyer.”
If asked to sign anything:
“I will not sign anything until I have spoken with a lawyer.”
At a Detention Facility
Section titled “At a Detention Facility”If pressured to sign documents:
“I do not want to sign anything. I want to speak with a lawyer first.”
If offered voluntary departure:
“I do not agree to voluntary departure. I want to speak with a lawyer.”
Requesting a phone call:
“I have the right to make a phone call. I need to contact my lawyer [or family].”
Multi-Language Phrases
Section titled “Multi-Language Phrases”Spanish
Section titled “Spanish”Right to remain silent:
“Estoy ejerciendo mi derecho a guardar silencio.”
Right to refuse search:
“No doy mi consentimiento para una búsqueda.”
Right to an attorney:
“Quiero hablar con un abogado.”
At your door:
“No doy mi consentimiento para que entren. ¿Tienen una orden judicial firmada por un juez?”
Mandarin Chinese
Section titled “Mandarin Chinese”Right to remain silent:
“我行使保持沉默的权利。” (Wǒ xíngshǐ bǎochí chénmò de quánlì.)
Right to an attorney:
“我要和律师说话。” (Wǒ yào hé lǜshī shuōhuà.)
Vietnamese
Section titled “Vietnamese”Right to remain silent:
“Tôi sử dụng quyền im lặng của tôi.”
Right to an attorney:
“Tôi muốn nói chuyện với luật sư.”
Korean
Section titled “Korean”Right to remain silent:
“저는 묵비권을 행사합니다.” (Jeoneun mukbigwon-eul haengsa-hamnida.)
Right to an attorney:
“변호사와 이야기하고 싶습니다.” (Byeonhosa-wa iyagihago sipseumnida.)
Tone and Delivery
Section titled “Tone and Delivery”How to Say It
Section titled “How to Say It”- Calm but firm - Don’t yell, but don’t whisper
- Repeat as needed - They may ask the same question multiple times
- Stay consistent - Use the same phrases
- Don’t elaborate - Keep responses short
- Don’t argue - State your rights, don’t debate
Body Language
Section titled “Body Language”- Keep hands visible
- Stay still (don’t make sudden movements)
- Look at them but don’t stare aggressively
- Stay calm even if they don’t
Practice Scenarios
Section titled “Practice Scenarios”Scenario 1: Door Knock
Section titled “Scenario 1: Door Knock”Practice with a friend:
- Friend knocks, claims to be ICE
- You ask questions through closed door
- They claim warrant
- You ask to see it under door
- Practice your response
Scenario 2: Street Stop
Section titled “Scenario 2: Street Stop”Practice with a friend:
- Friend approaches, asks where you’re from
- You ask “Am I free to go?”
- They say no
- You state your rights
- Practice staying calm under pressure
Scenario 3: Vehicle Stop
Section titled “Scenario 3: Vehicle Stop”Practice in parked car:
- Friend approaches driver window
- Practice providing documents
- Practice refusing additional questions
- Practice refusing search consent
Phrases to Avoid
Section titled “Phrases to Avoid”| Don’t Say | Why |
|---|---|
| ”I’m a citizen” | May not be believed, and exercise of rights shouldn’t depend on status |
| ”I have papers at home” | Could lead to them wanting to search your home |
| ”My neighbor is undocumented” | Never inform on others |
| ”I don’t know anything” | This IS an answer; silence is better |
| Lies of any kind | Can be used against you, may be criminal |
Printable Card
Section titled “Printable Card”Cut out and carry:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐│ MY RIGHTS ││ ││ • I exercise my right to remain silent ││ • I do not consent to a search ││ • I want to speak to a lawyer ││ • I do not consent to entry without ││ a judicial warrant ││ ││ Emergency: _____________________ │└─────────────────────────────────────────┘