By now, you probably realize that knowing your rights is imperative, even if you think “que ya la hiciste.” Community organizations—in crisis mode per yoosh—are working around the clock with their know-your-rights campaigns, and you can find some resources here. In conversation with local leaders and law practitioners, we found one right that gets practiced the least and is the most useful in this moment: the right to STFU.

Yes, your right to S H U T  T H E  F U C K  U P! This one is crucial; just do it. By exercising your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, you’re taking back control of the situation and not giving unnecessary ammunition to law enforcement or immigration authorities. Everything you say and do will be used against you.

Let me put it in scenario terms. You and your wokie friends decide to drape yourselves in flags from foreign countries and participate in the protest at the state’s Capitol. Things get heated, some dumb f*** steals a police cruiser, and the next thing you know, pigs start doing what pigs do: gassing, chasing, handcuffing, arresting, and questioning. What do you do? STFU.

If, for some reason, you didn’t read this article in time and you didn’t STFU, say, you’re handcuffed and in police custody, and people you don’t know are chatty around you, STFU. You’ve been booked and in a cell with other people? STFU. Pigs come oinking at your cell? STFU. This also applies to ICE pigs.

Guess the answer to texting or communicating from your unsecured mobile device in a heavily policed area. Correct! STFU! Spooks callin’ yo’ momma, granny, or tío to fish info about you, friends, or other family members? Yup, tell them to STFU too.

You’re a teacher in a school that’s being raided and know some of your students and their families could be targeted? Yup, zip it! Job site gets swarmed by law enforcement hunting down peeps because of their activism and political views or immigration status? Button it! You’re driving down the street and get pulled over? Mum’s the fucking word!

So, if the pigs gotchu already, invoke your Fifth Amendment right and STFU. You’re also entitled to make a call, and they can’t listen to your conversation with your lawyer. This is exactly what you have to say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”

They’ll often try to get you to talk, saying things like, “we can help you if you cooperate; help me help you.” DO NOT FALL FOR IT. STFU and ask to speak to your lawyer. If you don’t have access to funds for a lawyer, demand a public defender before answering ANY questions. They’ll set up a meeting for you with one as soon as it’s feasible, and that lawyer will be able to help you navigate the system.

Make SURE to ask to speak to a lawyer after invoking your Fifth Amendment right. If you don’t ask for a lawyer and they keep asking you questions until you break, you’ve waived your right. Once you ask for a lawyer, they must stop the questioning.

Your silence isn’t just a right; it’s your power.

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