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Border Patrol encounter

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Border Patrol agents have certain authority near the border. You may still have rights.

1. Stay calm.

Send to family
  1. 1
    Stay calm

    Breathe. Do not run.

  2. 2
    Ask if you are free to leave

    If they say yes, you may calmly leave.

    What you may say
    Show transcript

    Am I free to leave?

    “Am I free to leave?”

  3. 3
    You may remain silent

    You generally do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status.

    What you may say
    Show transcript

    I choose to remain silent.

    “I choose to remain silent.”

  4. 4
    Do not provide false documents

    Never present false papers. It can carry serious consequences.

    What not to do
    Do not lie about your citizenship.
  5. 5
    Ask for a lawyer if detained

    If you are detained, ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions or signing anything.

    What you may say
    Show transcript

    I want to speak to a lawyer.

    “I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Make a family emergency plan
Call a lawyer

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