Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights

On March 2, 2026, Mayor Brandon M. Scott signed an executive order, “Protecting the Rights and Well-Being of Residents,” reaffirming the City of Baltimore's commitment to protecting residents’ constitutional rights and safety. 

This page helps Baltimore City residents understand their rights and find local resources. 

Read the Executive Order

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For Immigrants 

Know Your Rights 

  • Your rights if you encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers
  • Your rights if you live in or are applying to public housing (HUD tenants) 

Community Resources 

  • Safe City Baltimore, an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
    • Trained lawyers help you plan and prepare your family for immigration emergencies. Sign up for text message alerts for these classes.
    • We provide free legal representation in deportation cases and additional support for affected families. If you believe your family member or friend was arrested by ICE, call 888-214-6016.
  • Find contact information for local immigration legal service providers, immigration scam information, and more 

  • Print a “Red Card” and keep it in your wallet to help you exercise your rights if you encounter law enforcement 

Patterson Park

For Service Providers, Employers, and Allies 

Know Your Rights 

The following resources provide information on how service providers across different sectors can respond during immigration enforcement actions and protect the rights of immigrants in their communities and workplaces. 

Virtual Workshops

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs hosts virtual workshops for service providers with Know Your Rights information that can be shared with their immigrant community members.

Sign-Up For Upcoming Workshops
Virtual Workshop

Volunteer and Support Opportunities 

Volunteer with the… 

Contribute to Know Your Rights education and legal defense services for Baltimore’s immigrant families by donating to the Baltimore Immigrant Community Fund. 

For People Participating in Protests

Know Your Rights 

Know Your Rights While Protesting 

Community Resources 

For jail support or bail assistance for a protest-related arrest, call 443-842-4170. This hotline is hosted by the Maryland Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and Baltimore Action Legal Team. 

Know Your Rights Collage

Protest Rights

You have a First Amendment right to protest peacefully in public places, including streets, sidewalks, and parks. You cannot block access to a government building and if demonstrating on a public street or sidewalk, law enforcement can ask you to move for safety reasons.

Right to a Lawyer

You can speak to a lawyer if you believe your rights have been violated.

You have the right to consult an attorney before answering questions or signing documents.

Right to Remain Silent

If law enforcement asks you questions, the 5th Amendment protects your right to remain silent and refuse to answer.

Remember: anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.

Documenting Violations

If your rights are violated, write down details: number of agents, names, badge numbers, locations, dates, times, and other key information.

On public property, you can photograph and film as long as it does not interfere with law enforcement.

For All Residents 

Resources if You Experience Abuse from a Police Officer 

Local Law Enforcement 

The Baltimore City Police Accountability Board handles complaints that occurred on or after July 1, 2022, with one of the following law enforcement agencies: 

  • Baltimore Police Department
  • Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office
  • Baltimore City School Police
  • Baltimore City Environmental Police
  • Baltimore City Community College
  • Johns Hopkins Police Department 

Resources for Your Wage and Employment Rights 

Local Wage Rights 

The Baltimore City Wage Commission enforces local laws relating to your pay. 

If you work on a construction or service project funded by the City and your employer failed to pay you, underpaid you, or did not pay you correctly for overtime, you have the right to report unpaid or underpaid wages, regardless of your immigration status. File a complaint with the Wage Commission. 

State Wage Rights 

The Maryland Department of Labor Employment Standards Service (ESS) handles unpaid wage claims for private employers and contractors not covered under City-funded contracts. 

If your employer does not have a contract with the City and your employer failed to pay you or underpaid you, file a complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor. 

Community Resources 

Get free legal services for wage claim and other civil issues from Maryland Legal Aid. 

File a Complaint

Did you experience police misconduct or witness police misconduct against another person in Baltimore City?

File a Complaint with the Police Accountability Board

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials on this page are for general informational purposes only. This webpage contains links to third-party websites. The inclusion of any external link does not imply endorsement by the City of Baltimore or its staff.