How ILRC’s ‘Red Cards’ can help protect immigrants during ICE encounters

As immigration enforcement actions grow under the Trump administration, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s “Red Cards” remain a practical, trusted tool for asserting legal rights during encounters with ICE. Immigrants — and anyone who might face questioning by authorities — are encouraged to download and carry these cards, and to share them widely with family, friends and neighbors.

The wallet-sized cards provide clear, legally grounded instructions based on constitutional protections. They outline the right to remain silent, the right not to open the door without a judge-signed warrant, the right to refuse to sign documents, and the right to speak with a lawyer — regardless of immigration status.

Originally created in 2007, the Red Cards are available for free in 39 languages at ilrc.org. The ILRC recommends printing them on red cardstock with rounded corners to improve durability and visibility. They are designed to be kept easily accessible in a wallet or near a front door.

Since 2020, more than 9 million cards have been downloaded — more than in the previous 17 years combined. Though not part of a current ILRC campaign, the Red Cards continue to be shared informally by educators, advocacy groups and legal clinics. The organization urges users to avoid third-party sellers and download only from its official website to ensure legal accuracy.