ACLU-IL "Knowing and Protecting Our Rights" Presentation

[John Adams]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 12:05pm

Yesterday evening, I had the privilege of attending an online seminar sponsored by my IL District Representative called, "Knowing and Protecting Our Rights". The presentation was prepared by Colleen K Connel, Executive Director of ACLU Illinois, and can be downloaded HERE.

The presentation includes lots of valuable information, but also two important caveats: 

    •    Disclaimer: This presentation contains general information about the law. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer for advice on your specific circumstances.
    •    Even if you know and exercise your constitutional rights, police officers or ICE might not honor them. It is never good to use force or physically resist police officers or ICE, even when you know they are wrong. Challenging misconduct cannot be done in the moment. It can only be done through legal and advocacy efforts afterwards.

The presentation covers the following topics:
Basic State and Federal Rights
    •    Encountering ICE on the Street
    •    The Fourth Amendment (w/definitions and examples of the two kinds of warrants). NOTE: the Fourth Amendment protects all PEOPLE - not just citizens.
    •    When ICE Knocks on the Door
    •    Immigration Arrests
    •    Reporting Illegal Arrests (limited to the states of IL, IN, WI, KY, KS and MI)
    •    The Illinois Trust Act (limited to IL, but you may have similar legislation in your state)
Supportive Workplaces
    •    ICE Entering the Workplace
    •    ICE Searching the Workplace
    •    ICE Inspecting Records
Bystander Rights
    •    The Fifth Amendment
    •    Documenting ICE Raids
        Documenting is a protected activity
        Photos
        Video
        Written (a Documentation Checklist is provided)
        Narrative (use Voice Memo & Notes apps on your phone to document)

Some questions asked after the presentation:
Q: As a U.S. citizen, If I am stopped, do I need to produce documents? If so, what documents are acceptable? What happens if my documents are challenged or required to show further proof?
A: Say, “I am a US citizen and I am not required to produce documentation.” Ask bystanders to call a family member or lawyer.

Q: As a bystander, how should I respond if I am questioned, or asked, “What are you doing here?”
A: Immediately ask, “Am I free to go?” If the response is, “Yes”, GO. Regarding any other questioning, “I reserve the right to remain silent until I have a lawyer present.”

OTHER NOTES: 
    •    You cannot impede an officer in the execution of his/her duties.
    •    ICE is carrying blank warrants w/them, and writing names in after the arrest - THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. If you witness this happening, document and report this to your state’s ACLU. Remember to capture as much description/details of the officer(s) as possible, including clothing, vehicle, etc. 
    •    3rd party lawsuits can use your documentation for their defense.

I learned a lot by attending this seminar. Maybe you will find the information valuable, too!