How do red cards work?
The immigration red cards are printed on thick, red cardstock paper and made to fit in one’s wallet or pocket.
One side of the card describes the person’s legal rights in their language of choice and lists instructions, including:
- “Do not speak to an ICE agent if they are trying to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.”
- “Do not open the door for an ICE agent.”
- “Give the card to an agent without opening the door by sliding it under the door or showing it through a window.”
- “Do not sign anything without a lawyer present.”
- “If you are outside, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.”
The other side, in English, outlines the person’s rights for an ICE agent:
- “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.”
Where can I find red cards?
Advocates make these cards available to citizens and noncitizens alike. They are most often found and disseminated in “Know Your Rights” workshops, at jobsites where many immigrants are employed and at immigration paperwork appointments.
Templates for the cards are available for free download online at the Immigration Legal Resource Center. Individuals and organizations can also order printed versions from the ILRC website.