Knowledge Base

The City of Rochester provides general information to help residents understand their rights if they encounter federal immigration authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the City does not enforce federal immigration law, residents may still encounter ICE in the community. This page outlines general rights and available resources to help residents navigate those situations.

Know your Rights

• Know Your Rights with ICE - Immigrant Defense Project – This explains your rights while interacting with ICE officers
• Know Your Rights Fact Sheet – Overview of immigrant rights
• Conozca sus derechos en español: Proporciona una descripción general de los derechos de los inmigrantes
• Xuquuqdaada baro: xuquuqda dadka soo haajira: Waxay bixisaa dulmar guud oo ku saabsan xuquuqda soogalootiga
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Resources: A list of resources for immigrants in Minnesota 
• National Immigrant Justice Center Fact Sheets: A series of fact sheets outlining the rights of immigrants
• Printable "Red Cards" (multiple languages): Red cards outline immigrant rights and give examples of how people can exercise these rights. These cards are also available in printed versions at the Rochester Public Library.

Legal Assistance

• National Immigration Law Center: Establishes and defends the legal rights of all immigrants
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: Provides free immigration legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota
• International Institute of Minnesota: Provides low-cost immigration assistance to refugees and immigrants living in Minnesota 
• The Advocates for Human Rights: Represents people in the Upper Midwest who are seeking asylum, detained by immigration, unaccompanied children or trafficking victims 
• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: Advocates for the legal rights of disadvantaged people to have safe, healthy, and independent lives in strong communities
• Southeastern Minnesota Interfaith Immigrant Legal Defense – Advocates for the rights to a fair hearing for those 

These resources do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the City of Rochester. This is not legal advice. For legal advice, contact a lawyer.