KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Know Your Rights: Understanding Red Cards
Everyone in the United States—no matter their immigration status—has certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Knowing these rights is crucial, especially when interacting with immigration officials like ICE agents.
What Are Red Cards?
Red Cards are small, easy-to-carry cards created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). They are designed to help individuals assert their legal rights during encounters with immigration officers. The cards provide clear, simple language that you can show to officials instead of speaking, which helps prevent misunderstandings or unintentional self-incrimination.
Why Are Red Cards Important?
When faced with unexpected situations, like an immigration officer asking questions at your door or during a public stop, it can be stressful and hard to remember what to say or do. Red Cards serve as a quick, confident way to:
Protect Your Rights: They remind both you and the officials of your constitutional rights.
Prevent Self-Incrimination: By using the card, you avoid accidentally sharing information that could be used against you.
Stay Calm and Prepared: Having a Red Card helps you feel more in control during stressful interactions.
Keep it with You: Carry your Red Card in your wallet, bag, or pocket.
Present It When Needed: If approached by an immigration officer, calmly hand them the card without providing additional information.
Stay Silent and Calm: After handing over the card, you are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present.
Learn More and Get Your Red Card:
You can download, print, and learn how to use Red Cards effectively through the ILRC’s resources. Empower yourself and your loved ones with the knowledge needed to navigate interactions with confidence and clarity.
FRONT OF CARD
DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.
BACK OF CARD
I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.
I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.
I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.
I choose to exercise my constitutional rights. These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.
PRINT YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS CARD
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS VIDEOS
Sample of Agency Response to Scenario
Can be shared with school personnel when planning protocols for responding to requests from immigration enforcement officers)
Know Your Rights - Agency Protocol (English)
Know Your Rights - Agency Protocol (Spanish)
Family Preparedness - Immigration PSA (Public Services Announcement)
A note about the source: These PSA videos were made available thanks to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and Legal Services for Children, published by Catholic Charities which is one of the trusted legal services providers funded by the California Department of Social Services.
PARTNERS
