Gov. Katie Hobbs launches Know Your Rights website

PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs launched a new website Wednesday to provide a resource for Arizonans to know their constitutional rights when engaging with federal law enforcement or in peaceful protests.

The Know Your Rights website provides information in English and Spanish regarding how to lawfully and peacefully protest, what to do if stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, what to do if ICE comes to your home or business and information for Tribal members, according to the Arizona Office of the Governor.

“During this time of heightened tension, Arizonans deserve to know their rights,” Hobbs said in a press release. “You have a right to remain silent. You have the right to speak with an attorney and you have a right to peacefully protest without fear of harm or retaliation.”

Why did Katie Hobbs create the Know Your Rights Website?

Hobbs said abuses of power create fear and erode trust between community members and law enforcement, putting both in danger. The governor added that it’s vital to protect Arizonans constitutional rights and their ability to make their voice heard, now more than ever.

“I share the fear and anger of many Arizonans who, over the past year, have seen far too many instances of federal agents denying us our right to peaceful protests,” Hobbs said. “In some instances, unlawfully detaining and arresting American citizens, and in horrific cases, in Minnesota, shooting and killing two people.

“It’s devastating to see and read about abuses of power that threaten our constitutional rights by some of the very people meant to protect us.”

The Know Your Rights website was created to be a source of information for Arizonans. Community Leader and Director of Proyecto Progreso Raquel Terán said “information is power” and having access to explained constitutional rights will help “families respond calmly and confidently if they encounter federal enforcement.”

“When people know their rights, they can protect their families, stand in their dignity and hold systems accountable,” Terán said in the Wednesday release. “That’s how we build safer, stronger communities (that are) prepared, not panicked.”

Related

Gov. Katie Hobbs says administration continuing to look at actions to keep Arizonans safe from ICEAfter father mistakenly killed by Phoenix police, family calls for officer to be behind barsFeds can't withhold social service funds from 5 Democratic states amid fraud claims, judge rulesFlags to be lowered to half-staff to honor late former Tempe Mayor Harry MitchellArizona specialty license plates top 1 million for first timeMan indicted on 17 counts of organized retail theft from Valley home improvement stores