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ACLU of the District of Columbia
@aclu-dc.bsky.social
1.4K followers 230 following 390 posts
We are devoted to ensuring free speech, equal rights, and other civil liberties in D.C. Press inquiries: [email protected] #DCStatehood
https://www.acludc.org/
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aclu-dc.bsky.social
Explore our comprehensive guide—translated into Amheric, French, Mandarin and Spanish—on your rights when encountering law enforcement and military troops in D.C.: www.acludc.org/know-your-ri...
Encountering Law Enforcement and Military Troops in D.C. - ACLU of DC
No matter what uniform they wear, federal agents and military troops are bound by the Constitution, including our rights to peaceful assembly and due process.
www.acludc.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:17 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
And despite the Trump administration’s attempts at fear and intimidation, make no mistake: everyone in D.C. has rights, regardless of who they are and their immigration status.
Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of ICE agents running horizontal across the top of the graphic. Below red and white text reads: “If you’re asked about your immigration status: Do not lie about your citizenship status, your name, or provide false documents. Generally, you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status (or anything else). It’s important to note that if you invoke this right and/or do not have the proper papers, an immigration officer might detain you for longer to verify your citizenship status.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right. Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of an immigration visa running vertical along the right side of the graphic. To the left is white text that reads: “If you’re asked about your immigration status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, the law may require you to carry specific immigration documents for your specific immigration status and provide them when a government official requests your immigration papers. Official identification from a country besides the United States does not establish your right to be in the United States and may cause government officials to view you with greater suspicion.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right. Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of a client meeting with their lawyer running horizontal across the top of the graphic. Below red and white text reds: “If you’re asked about your immigration status: Carry with you evidence of having been in the U.S. for longer than two years, such as mail that you have received at your home address with a postmark or a signed lease as these may help reduce the risk of being put in a deportation process without the ability to argue your case. For more information about specific immigration statuses, and what documentation is required to be carried by a person with that status, you should consult an attorney.” The ACLU-DC is in the bottom left corner.
November 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
In deciding how to interact with law enforcement, federal agents, and military officers, make sure to prioritize your safety, even if you feel that you’re being treated unfairly or illegally.
Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of a National Guard troop in the DC metro running vertical along the right side of the graphic. To the left is white text that reads: “Always remain calm and never physically resist or obstruct law enforcement. Keep your hands visible. You may ask if you’re free to leave at any point in your interaction. Say, “Am I free to go?” If the answer is “yes,” you’re free to walk away. If the answer is no, you’ve been stopped and must remain where you are until you have been told that you’re free to go.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right. Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of a police officer stopping a woman in her car running horizontal across the top of the graphic. Below white text reads: “You don’t have to answer a government official's questions except if you’re stopped for certain traffic, parking, or pedestrian offenses, when you must provide your name and address if asked. If you don’t want to answer a question, say, “I want to remain silent.” Government officials cannot detain you without reasonable suspicion that you have or are about to commit a crime or are in the process of doing so.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right. Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of the tops of police cars running horizontal across the top of the graphic. Below white text reads: “Take mental notes about what’s happening—including on what occurred before you were stopped, what the official says and does while you’re stopped, and whether anyone is documenting what occurred—so you can tell a lawyer if you think your rights were violated. If an official asks to search you or your belongings, you have the right to say no, but do not obstruct access. The official may have lawful authority to conduct the search anyway. If the official begins conducting a search, say clearly: “I do not consent to a search.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right. Graphic with black background and a red and black dual-tone image of a person holding up their phone running vertical along the right side of the graphic. To the left is white text that reads: “Remember you don’t have to unlock your phone or give government officials your password without a warrant. For additional security, turn off biometric identification such as Face ID. No matter what uniform they wear, federal agents and military troops are bound by the Constitution, including our rights to peaceful assembly.” At the bottom of the image is the ACLU-DC graphic to the left and a red right-pointing arrow to the right.
November 5, 2025 at 9:13 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
The people of D.C. deserve the same protections against federal overreach & abuse of power as the people of every other state. We need people of conscience across the country to join us in the fight for D.C. Statehood.

Join us: action.aclu.org/send-message...
Congress: Support D.C. Statehood Now
D.C. statehood would grant full and equal rights to over 700,000 residents currently denied representation. Tell Congress to take action now.
action.aclu.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:48 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can register and vote free from expensive and unnecessary requirements.

www.acludc.org/press-releas...
Court Strikes Down Key Part of Trump’s Unlawful Voting Executive Order, Permanently Blocking Show-Your-Papers Requirement - ACLU of DC
A federal court today issued a decisive ruling permanently blocking a provision of President Trump’s March voting executive order
www.acludc.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:09 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
May we find solace and strength in the insightful and expansive collection of Andrea's works as we continue to protect the civil liberties and rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the District.
October 31, 2025 at 8:28 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
To learn more, check out our guide on knowing your rights when encountering law enforcement and military troops in D.C.: www.acludc.org/know-your-ri...

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Encountering Law Enforcement and Military Troops in D.C. - ACLU of DC
No matter what uniform they wear, federal agents and military troops are bound by the Constitution, including our rights to peaceful assembly and due process.
www.acludc.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:12 PM
aclu-dc.bsky.social
And remember: No matter what agency you’re dealing with—whether federal or local; whether law enforcement or the military—the Constitution constrains how government employees can treat you. 2/3
Bold black letters in all caps that read: “I want to remain silent” are highlighted in red and set against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “Remember: You have the right to remain silent in your home, in your car, at a checkpoint, at work, and anywhere else (though keep in mind the unique circumstances discussed in the prior slide, i.e., requests for your name and address in certain settings, and questions about your immigration status).” The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner. Bold black letters in all caps that read: “I do not consent to a search” are highlighted in red and set against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “If you’re stopped by government officials while on the streets and they ask to search you or your belongings, you have the right to say no, but do not obstruct access. Specifically, you can say, “I do not consent to a search.” The official may have lawful authority to conduct the search anyway, but this statement will limit the officers’ authority to the greatest extent possible. If you’re stopped while in your car, whether at a checkpoint or in another circumstance, an official may ask to search your car. You can refuse by saying, “I do not consent to a search.” This will limit the official’s ability to conduct a search, though in some circumstances they may have legal authority to do so anyway.” The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner. Bold black letters in all caps that read: “I want to speak with a lawyer” are highlighted in red and set against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “If you are under arrest, you may exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer— no matter your citizenship or immigration status (though keep in mind the advice concerning questions about immigration status). If you want to invoke these rights, you should say “I want to remain silent” and “I want to speak with a lawyer” and then, refrain from answering any questions or signing any documents unless you have a lawyer present.” The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner. Bold black letters in all caps that read: “I want to speak with a lawyer” are highlighted in red and set against a black background. Below is white text that reads: “The same principles generally apply if you are taken into immigration custody. However, unlike instances where you are arrested for a crime, if you are detained for an immigration violation, the government does not have to pay for an attorney to represent you. Still, the government must allow you to consult with an attorney if you can find one who will represent you; the government must also give you a list of low cost or free attorneys if you ask. If you are taken into immigration custody, you also have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your arrest.” The ACLU-D.C. logo is in the bottom right corner.
October 29, 2025 at 5:08 PM