National Guard Deployment and Safety Tips from CASL
September 4, 2025 – CASL is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community. Given the increase in immigration enforcement and potential National Guard deployment to Chicago, we’d like to share a few tips and resources to help you stay informed of your rights.
- Attend a Know Your Rights Training. Stay informed and register for an upcoming Know Your Rights Workshop. This weekly, interactive workshop covers fundamental rights, how to assert them safely, and where to find trusted resources and support.
- Review the Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Know Your Rights Fact Sheets. This helpful resource walks you through your rights if you encounter ICE, and is available in multiple languages, including Chinese and Spanish.
- Download a Free Know Your Rights Red Card. All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created red cards to give examples of how people can exercise these rights.
- Visit the Illinois Immigration Information Hub for a comprehensive guide and toolkit for you to communicate your rights.
Here are a few tips to stay safe as you navigate the city:
- Carry a government-issued ID at all times when you leave home.
- Travel in pairs or groups when possible.
- Share your whereabouts with family and friends.
- Memorize or write down key emergency contacts and their phone numbers.
- Support and check in with your neighbors.
- Remain peaceful if you decide to join protests or marches.
- If you encounter immigration officers, keep interactions civil. Do not interfere and obstruct federal agents in their duties. You have a right to document everything you see (badge numbers, name, location, time, vehicle type and license plate).
CASL is a non-profit organization, and our facilities are reserved for CASL client and staff use only. We prioritize the safety and privacy of our clients and are committed to keeping CASL safe and secure.
Thank you for your continued trust in us. For additional questions or inquiries, please contact media@casl.org.
About CASL
Founded in 1979, the Chinese American Service League (CASL) is the largest and most comprehensive community-based nonprofit serving Asian Americans in the Midwest. CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives.