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Know your rights and never speak to law enforcement officers without an attorney. That's the message Sameer Ahmed of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund is delivering to Muslim street vendors in Queens.

Since the September arrest of Najibullah Zazi, a former Wall Street coffee cart vendor charged with plotting a terror attack on the city, Ahmed says law enforcement will often speak to street vendors because they are easily accessible.

"Muslims have been targeted under more survelliance and suspicion, especially street vendors, people like you guys," says Ahmed to vendors.

"It's very important. We need to know everybody. As immigrants in this country, we need to know this information," says one vendor.

"Everybody is nervous. Like when they hear Homeland Security or like FBI and stuff, it's a little nervous," says another.

Such uneasiness comes from horror stories about people brought in questioning getting in trouble or being deported, sometimes only because of confusion stemming from cultural and language barriers.

"You know, you donated to a charity, you let some guy stay at your house, you yourself have honestly not done anything wrong. But based on how you answer those questions, you can become liable criminally," says Ahmed. "Any person, as a lawyer, you want to protect their rights. You want to protect the rights of the community."

At the same time, vendors tell NY1 they don't mind speaking with the FBI or other law enforcement agencies if they think it will help with an investigation.

"Sure, sure. Anytime, because we are New Yorkers. We are American," says a vendor.

Ahmed says he does encourage people to speak up, but wants them to know their rights before they do.