As politicians continue to ramp up dominant xenophobic narratives, we see the increasing fear in our immigrant communities. We understand that this administration is set on the detention and deportation of immigrants through the augmentation of hired Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Patrol (CBP) agents. The effects of this increase on enforcement is being documented nationwide. From Florida, Washington, New York and even in California, the number of Border Patrol sightings on public interstate transit continues to increase each passing day.

We at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) believe that every individual’s constitutional rights (whether they are citizens or not) apply when traveling in interstate public transit such as Greyhound or Amtrak. For this reason we are creating a toolkit for advocates like yourself to help community members express their rights and for employees of public transit to know that they are not mandated to let ICE or CBP agents onboard.

Stay informed

1. Know Your Rights on Public Transportation with CBP

A.Know Your Rights on Public Transportation with CBP

A.

Passengers: You have rights! Here are some things to remember:

If immigration agents board your bus, you can remain silent.  You are not required to answer any questions about your citizenship or immigration status and can refuse to do so.  

A person without lawful status in the United States should never answer questions about their immigration status without first consulting with a lawyer.  Any voluntary statement made to CBP can and will be used against that person to deport them.

Though not required, a person with valid immigration papers can provide them to avoid arrest or detention. But never provide false document

  • You always have the right to remain silent.
  • You can refuse a search of your belongings by saying "I do not consent to a search of my belongings."
  • You can ask Border Patrol why they're stopping you.

  • You have the right to record video of immigration agents when they are in a public place, but do not attempt to physically interfere with anything the agents do.

2. More information

A.More information

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Private transportation companies are not obligated to allow immigration agents to board their vehicles without a warrant. Greyhound Lines Bus Company’s policy is to deny immigration agents who attempt to conduct warrantless searches of its buses

Tell your fellow passengers they have rights and should use them!

To report immigration agents on your bus, train, or station call Wyoming’s Rapid Response Network at 1-844-864-8341 anytime. 

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