Today we learned about: Immigrant Red Cards, informational cards designed to help immigrants in the U.S. understand and exercise their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement officers, such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). These cards are often distributed by immigrant advocacy groups, legal aid organizations, and community groups.
Purpose of Red Cards
Red Cards serve as a way for immigrants—both documented and undocumented—to assert their constitutional rights if approached by ICE or law enforcement. They provide clear, concise instructions on what to do during encounters with immigration officers.
Key Features of Red Cards
- Right to Remain Silent – The card usually states that the person chooses to remain silent and will not answer any questions without a lawyer present.
- Refusal of Entry Without a Warrant – If ICE comes to a home or workplace, a person does not have to let them in unless they show a valid judicial warrant.
- Demand for a Lawyer – The card asserts the person’s right to consult an attorney before answering any questions.
- No Signature Requirement – The card often advises against signing any documents without legal representation.
How They Are Used
If an individual is stopped or approached by immigration officers, they can hand the Red Card to the officer instead of answering questions. This can help prevent self-incrimination and ensure that the person does not accidentally waive their rights.
Use in Schools
Schools may elect to order or print a stash of Red Cards to have available for students and families as an optional resource.
Districts are encouraged to refer to their policies, school boards, and legal counsel about the most effective way in which to share Red Cards or other immigration resources with students and families.
Where to Get Them
Some organizations are selling packs of Red Cards (printed, cut, and ready to distribute), but organizations such as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and other legal aid groups provide Red Cards for free, both in physical and digital formats.
Sources and More:
- [Immigrant Legal Resource Center] Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas (scroll to the bottom for printable cards in several languages)
- [OSPI] Protections for Immigrant Students in Washington’s K–12 Public Schools
- [League of United Latin American Citizens] El Escudo: Immigrant Rights and Resources Toolkit
- [WA Office of the Attorney General, 2020] Keep Washington Working Act: Guidance, model policies, and best practices for public schools (pdf)
