Why Knowing Your Rights Matters—For Immigrants and Their Neighbors

In a time of uncertainty, knowledge is power. For immigrants, understanding their rights can mean the difference between security and vulnerability. But just as crucially, their neighbors—friends, coworkers, and community members—should also be informed. A well-educated community can be a stronger, safer, and more supportive one for everyone.

At Luminus Network, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that immigrants and their allies have access to critical information. We are proud to announce that we have now provided Know Your Rights presentations to over 1,000 people—including both immigrants and their neighbors. This milestone reflects our deep commitment to building an informed and empowered community.

The Power of Knowing Your Rights

Many immigrants, regardless of status, face situations where their rights may be challenged or misunderstood. Whether it’s an interaction with law enforcement, an employer, or a landlord, knowing what protections exist can prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment.

Some essential rights that all immigrants should be aware of include:

  • The Right to Remain Silent – No one is obligated to answer questions from immigration officers without legal representation.
  • The Right to Due Process – Undocumented individuals still have the right to a fair hearing before a judge.
  • The Right to Not Open the Door Without a Warrant – ICE officers cannot enter a home without a signed judicial warrant from a judge.
  • The Right to Work Without Exploitation – Regardless of status, workers have protections against wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and discrimination.

When immigrants know their rights, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves and their families.

ICE and Collateral Arrests: The Danger of Not Knowing Your Rights

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often claims to be targeting individuals with criminal histories or prior deportation orders, but in reality, they also engage in collateral arrests—detaining anyone who happens to be present and unable to prove lawful status. These sweeps disproportionately affect people, especially people of color, who do not know their constitutional rights.

ICE agents may:

  • Misrepresent themselves as local law enforcement officers to gain access to homes.
  • Pressure individuals into answering questions without legal representation.
  • Arrest entire groups of people during raids, even if only one person is the intended target.

By knowing your rights, immigrants can prevent being unfairly detained and help others avoid unnecessary deportation proceedings.

Why Neighbors Should Know Immigrants’ Rights Too

It’s not just immigrants who need to be informed—neighbors, colleagues, and allies play a critical role in ensuring fair treatment and justice. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Prevention of Misinformation – Many communities suffer from rumors and fear due to a lack of knowledge. When non-immigrants are informed, they can help counter falsehoods and provide accurate information.

  2. Active Bystander Support – If a friend or coworker is stopped by an immigration official, a neighbor who knows their rights can help ensure those rights are upheld.

  3. Building a Stronger Community – A well-informed community stands together. Neighbors who understand what immigrant families face can advocate for policies and resources that protect everyone.

  4. Legal and Emotional Support – Many immigrants may hesitate to seek legal help or assistance out of fear. Having informed neighbors who can direct them to trusted resources, like Luminus, can make a difference.

Luminus: Empowering Over 1,000 People with Knowledge

At Luminus, we believe that knowing your rights is a fundamental part of safety and empowerment. Through our Know Your Rights presentations, we have reached over 1,000 individuals—including immigrants and their allies—equipping them with the tools they need to protect themselves and support their neighbors.

This milestone is just the beginning. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all members of our community—regardless of immigration status—feel informed, empowered, and protected.

What You Can Do

  • Educate Yourself and Others – Attend local workshops, follow Luminus on social media, and share resources.
  • Be a Resource – If you know someone facing an immigration-related issue, help connect them with legal assistance or advocacy groups.
  • Speak Up – Challenge misinformation when you see it and support policies that protect immigrant rights.
  • Check In – A simple act of kindness—asking how someone is doing—can go a long way in helping an immigrant family feel supported.

At the end of the day, an informed community is a stronger one. When immigrants know their rights, and their neighbors do too, we create a society rooted in fairness, dignity, and mutual support.

#staystrong