Immigrants' Rights

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Upholding the rights of immigrants is important to us all. The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person and are not limited to citizens.

Immigrants are entitled to certain broad constitutional protections.

Due Process: The right to be treated fairly, whether in a deportation hearing or a criminal court proceeding, applies to every person within U.S. borders.

Equal Protection: Prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin.

Free Speech and Religious Freedom: These rights are protected under the First Amendment.

See our Know Your Rights: Immigration page for more details.

Know Your Rights: Immigration

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News & Commentary
"While I Breathe. ICE Invades South Carolina (Parts 1 + 2)." An image of a microphone and crescent moon imitate the South Carolina state flag.

Listen to our new podcast series: ICE Invades South Carolina

Hear how your neighbors are showing up to defend immigrants' rights and resist the mass deportation campaign
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Episode 15: ICE Invades South Carolina (Part 1)

On June 18 at a strip mall in a small town in the far Upstate of South Carolina, Homeland Security Investigations arrested 10 people at Puerto Nuevo, a popular Mexican restaurant. What really happened that day? And why is communication breaking down between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve in places like Oconee County? Today's episode explores the way the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda is sowing chaos, fear, and confusion — and the way people in small towns like West Union, S.C., are pushing back to protect their neighbors. We had so much ground to cover, we decided to split this episode into two parts. Up next on Episode 16, we’ll continue unpacking what really happened at other immigration raids around the state, including the infamous June 1 raid in Ladson. We’ll also travel to Beaufort County, where hundreds of locals have shown up to oppose a 287(g) agreement signed by their sheriff. This fight is far from over. To see our map of 287(g) agreements and check the status of your local sheriff's office, go to aclusc.org/287g If you would like to sign a petition against the ICE detention camp being proposed by candidates for governor in South Carolina, go to aclusc.org/ice25 If you would like to volunteer with the ACLU of South Carolina in support of immigrants' rights or other constitutional rights, we have a quick interest form you can fill out at aclusc.org/volunteer Another way you can help out is by volunteering with one of the ICE hotlines being created by volunteers across the state. Currently the hotline covering Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties is up and running. If you are interested in learning more, follow @chs_hotline on Instagram or search for "CHS Hotline / CHS Linea Directa Comunitaria Inmigrante" on Facebook. Subscribe for free here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcast Addict Other Podcast Apps
Press Release
"ACLU-SC Condemns National Guard Deployment to Washington D.C." Blue-tinted image of the Washington D.C. skyline in background.

ACLU-SC condemns National Guard deployment to Washington D.C.

Court Case
Apr 18, 2025

Ariwoola v. Noem

An international Ph.D. student at the University of South Carolina faces the threat of arrest and deportation as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suddenly and unilaterally terminated his F-1 student status. We're suing to defend his due process rights.
Court Case
Mar 20, 2017

United States v. Kolsuz

Court Case
Oct 12, 2011

United States V. South Carolina