Chicago Relaunches ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign Amid Rising Deportations

Key Takeaways

• Chicago relaunched its ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign on June 17, 2025, amid rising ICE deportations.
• The campaign provides legal rights info: silence, lawyer, no-door-opening without warrant, and documenting ICE encounters.
• Ads run on 400+ Chicago Transit Authority screens; resources available online in multiple languages.

Chicago Relaunches ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign Amid Rising Deportations

As of June 17, 2025, Chicago has relaunched its “Know Your Rights” campaign in direct response to President Trump’s renewed threats to expand immigration raids and increase deportations across the United States 🇺🇸. This move comes at a time of growing anxiety among immigrant communities, as federal enforcement actions are expected to intensify. The city’s leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, have made it clear that Chicago will continue to stand as a welcoming city, determined to protect the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status.

What Is the ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign?

The “Know Your Rights” campaign is a public education effort designed to inform Chicago residents—especially immigrants and their families—about their legal rights if they are stopped, questioned, or detained by federal immigration agents, such as those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The campaign first launched on January 23, 2025, and is now being relaunched in June 2025 due to the increased threat of deportations.

The campaign’s main goal is to make sure everyone in Chicago knows what to do if they are approached by ICE, and to help people understand that they have rights under the U.S. Constitution, no matter their immigration status.

Why Is Chicago Relaunching the Campaign Now?

President Trump has repeatedly promised to ramp up immigration enforcement, including more frequent and widespread deportations. These threats have caused fear and confusion among many Chicago residents, especially those in mixed-status families or those who are undocumented.

Mayor Brandon Johnson explained the city’s position clearly: “Even if the federal government doesn’t know or care about the Constitution, Chicagoans deserve to know their constitutional rights.” This statement highlights the city’s commitment to protecting its residents and making sure everyone is aware of their legal protections.

Governor JB Pritzker has also spoken out against President Trump’s immigration policies, supporting the city’s efforts to keep Chicago a safe and welcoming place for all.

How Does the Campaign Work?

The “Know Your Rights” campaign uses a variety of methods to reach as many people as possible:

• Ad Placement: More than 400 screens across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system will display campaign ads. These ads are designed to catch the attention of commuters and provide quick, clear information about what to do if approached by ICE.
• Resource Guides: The city’s website offers a detailed resource guide, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and a flyer that residents can download and share. These materials explain what rights people have and what steps to take if ICE comes to their home or workplace.
• Community Partnerships: The campaign works closely with organizations like the National Immigrant Justice Center and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights to make sure the information is accurate and helpful.

What Rights Do Chicago Residents Have?

The campaign focuses on four main rights that everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has, regardless of immigration status:

1. The Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions from ICE agents. You can simply say, “I wish to remain silent.”
2. The Right to a Lawyer: You can ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions or signing any documents.
3. The Right Not to Open the Door: Unless ICE agents have a warrant signed by a judge, you do not have to open your door. You can ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window.
4. The Right to Document the Encounter: If it is safe to do so, you can record or write down what happens during your interaction with ICE agents.

These rights are based on the U.S. Constitution and apply to everyone, not just U.S. citizens.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Encounters with ICE

The “Know Your Rights” campaign provides clear, step-by-step instructions for what to do if you are approached by ICE:

• Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Do not run or argue.
• Ask for Identification: Politely ask the agents to identify themselves and show any official documents.
• Do Not Open the Door: If ICE comes to your home, do not open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to show the warrant through a window or slide it under the door.
• Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born.
• Request a Lawyer: If you are detained, ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions.
• Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents without first speaking to a lawyer.
• Document the Encounter: If possible, write down the names and badge numbers of the agents, and record the interaction if it is safe to do so.

For more detailed information and printable resources, residents can visit the City of Chicago’s official Know Your Rights page.

Why Is This Campaign Important Now?

The relaunch of the “Know Your Rights” campaign is especially important because of the current political climate. President Trump’s administration has made it clear that it intends to increase deportations, which has led to fear and confusion in many communities. By providing clear, simple information about legal rights, Chicago hopes to reduce panic and help residents feel more prepared.

The campaign also sends a strong message that Chicago stands with its immigrant communities. As reported by VisaVerge.com, city officials believe that making sure everyone knows their rights is one of the best ways to protect families and keep communities safe.

Who Supports the Campaign?

The “Know Your Rights” campaign has broad support from city officials, legal experts, and community organizations:

• City Officials: Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker have both spoken out in favor of the campaign, emphasizing Chicago’s commitment to being a welcoming city.
• Legal Experts: Organizations like the National Immigrant Justice Center have helped develop the campaign materials, ensuring that the information is accurate and easy to understand.
• Community Groups: The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and other local groups are helping to spread the word and make sure that everyone who needs this information can access it.

What Are the Practical Effects for Residents?

For many Chicago residents, especially those who are undocumented or have family members who are, the threat of deportation is a daily worry. The “Know Your Rights” campaign aims to:

• Reduce Fear: By providing clear information, the campaign helps reduce fear and confusion about what to do if ICE comes to your door.
• Empower Communities: When people know their rights, they are less likely to be taken advantage of or make mistakes that could hurt their case.
• Promote Safety: The campaign encourages people to stay calm and follow the law, which can help prevent dangerous situations.

How Does This Affect Different Groups?

• Immigrants and Mixed-Status Families: These groups are most directly affected by increased deportations. The campaign gives them tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.
• Employers: Businesses with immigrant workers may also be affected by ICE raids. The campaign provides information on what employers should do if ICE visits their workplace.
• Schools and Community Centers: These places often serve as safe spaces for immigrants. The campaign encourages schools and community centers to share information and support families.

Background: Chicago’s History as a Sanctuary City

Chicago has a long history of standing up for immigrant rights. As a sanctuary city, Chicago has policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This means that local police and city officials generally do not share information about residents’ immigration status with ICE.

The “Know Your Rights” campaign is part of this broader effort to protect all residents and make sure that everyone feels safe, regardless of where they were born.

What Are the Risks and Challenges?

While the campaign provides important information, there are still risks and challenges:

• Misinformation: Some people may not know their rights or may receive incorrect information from unofficial sources.
• Language Barriers: Not all residents speak English fluently. The campaign materials are available in multiple languages, but there may still be gaps.
• Fear of Retaliation: Some people may be afraid to assert their rights, worrying that it could make things worse.

To address these challenges, the city is working with community organizations to reach as many people as possible and make sure everyone has access to accurate information.

What Should Residents Do Now?

If you live in Chicago and are worried about deportations or ICE raids, here are some steps you can take right now:

1. Learn Your Rights: Read the resource guide and FAQ on the city’s website.
2. Share Information: Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about what to do if ICE comes to your door.
3. Prepare a Safety Plan: Make a plan with your family in case someone is detained. Know who to call and what steps to take.
4. Contact Legal Help: If you have questions or need help, reach out to organizations like the National Immigrant Justice Center.

For official information and resources, visit the City of Chicago’s Know Your Rights campaign page.

What’s Next for Chicago and Its Immigrant Communities?

As federal immigration policies continue to change, Chicago is likely to keep expanding its efforts to support immigrant communities. City officials have promised to stand up for residents’ rights, no matter what happens at the federal level.

The future of immigration enforcement under President Trump remains uncertain. However, campaigns like “Know Your Rights” show that local governments can play a key role in protecting their residents and making sure everyone knows how to stay safe.

Key Takeaways

• Chicago has relaunched its “Know Your Rights” campaign in June 2025 to help residents prepare for possible ICE raids and increased deportations.
• The campaign provides clear, simple information about legal rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer, and the right not to open the door without a judge’s warrant.
• Ads will appear on more than 400 CTA screens, and resources are available online in multiple languages.
• City officials, legal experts, and community groups all support the campaign, which aims to reduce fear and empower residents.
• Residents are encouraged to learn their rights, share information, and prepare a safety plan.

For more information, visit the official City of Chicago Know Your Rights page or contact local immigrant rights organizations for help.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that as long as federal immigration enforcement remains unpredictable, local campaigns like Chicago’s will be essential for protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring that everyone knows their rights.

By staying informed and prepared, Chicago residents can face these challenging times with greater confidence and security.

Learn Today

Know Your Rights Campaign → A public education initiative informing residents of their legal rights during ICE encounters.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws, including deportations.
Warrant → A legal document issued by a judge authorizing ICE to enter and search a home.
Mixed-Status Families → Families with members having different immigration statuses, such as documented and undocumented individuals.
Sanctuary City → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented residents.

This Article in a Nutshell

Chicago relaunched its vital ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign due to increased deportations under Trump. It empowers immigrants with clear legal rights and resources across 400+ CTA screens, promoting calm, safety, and awareness amid federal immigration threats. The city’s leaders strongly support protecting all residents’ constitutional rights regardless of status.
— By VisaVerge.com