Written by Jonathan Aftalion, Esq. — Founding Attorney, Aftalion Law Group
(UCLA BA, Wisconsin JD, Witwatersrand LLM, dual CA + NY licensure, Super Lawyers Rising Stars)
In this blog, we'll explore:
Key Point
- A red card is a pocket-sized card created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center that lets you assert your constitutional rights during an ICE encounter without speaking, including the right to remain silent, refuse a search, and request an attorney.
- ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, and an administrative ICE warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give agents the legal authority to force entry.
- Carrying a red card is a starting point, but it does not prevent arrest if ICE has legal grounds, which is why having an immigration attorney before an encounter occurs is the strongest protection available.
ICE enforcement has expanded dramatically under the Trump administration. Agents now conduct operations at homes, workplaces, schools, and in public spaces that were previously off-limits. For immigrants across California and the rest of the United States, knowing what to do when ICE arrives is no longer optional knowledge. It is essential. Aftalion Law Group helps immigrants understand and assert their rights during ICE encounters and represents those who have been detained or placed in removal proceedings. The red card immigration tool is one of the most practical resources available for asserting your rights quickly, clearly, and without having to speak a word.
What Is a Red Card for Immigration?
A red card for immigration is a pre-printed, pocket-sized card that an immigrant can hand to an ICE agent or law enforcement officer during an encounter. Created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), the card asserts the holder’s constitutional rights in writing without requiring the person to say anything aloud. The ILRC distributes red cards in more than 50 languages and they are available at no cost.
Red card immigration rights are rooted in the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth Amendment, which protects the right to remain silent. These constitutional protections apply to all persons inside the United States, regardless of immigration status. The National Immigration Law Center confirms that immigrants retain the right to remain silent, the right to refuse entry to their home without a judicial warrant, and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions from federal agents.
A standard red card for immigration typically states the following: I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not consent to a search of my home, vehicle, or belongings. I want to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. Please show me a judicial warrant signed by a judge if you wish to enter.
The card is not a magic shield. It does not prevent an ICE agent from arresting you if they have a judicial warrant. But it clearly communicates your rights in a high-pressure situation where fear and confusion often cause people to say things that are used against them later.
Where to Get a Red Card for Immigration
Red card immigration cards are available through several nonprofit organizations and immigration advocacy groups at no cost.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). The ILRC is the original creator and primary distributor of the red card. Physical cards and downloadable templates are available in more than 50 languages through their website.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC). The NILC offers know-your-rights cards and downloadable resources for immigrants facing ICE encounters.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU provides know-your-rights guides, including guidance on what to do at the door and at the workplace.
City of Los Angeles Know Your Rights Program. The City of Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department distributes know-your-rights materials in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Armenian, Chinese, Tagalog, Farsi, Russian, and Ukrainian, through FamilySource Centers and community events.
Your immigration attorney. An immigration attorney can provide you with a red card and walk you through exactly how to use it based on your specific immigration status and circumstances. If you are in Los Angeles and need immediate guidance on red card immigration rights, the removal defense team at Aftalion Law Group can provide that guidance as part of a free consultation.
Do Red Cards Need to Be Red?
No. Despite the name, red cards for immigration do not have to be red. The term refers to the type of document and the rights it asserts, not the color of the card itself. Red cards are printed on whatever paper or card stock is available, and many versions are white, cream, or another neutral color.
What matters is the content of the card, not its color. The card must clearly state your intention to remain silent, your refusal to consent to a search, and your request to speak with an attorney. As long as those rights are clearly communicated, the card serves its purpose regardless of what color it is printed on.
Your Rights During an ICE Encounter at Home
When ICE comes to your home, you have the right to refuse entry unless the agents present a judicial warrant. This is a critical distinction that many immigrants do not know.
An administrative warrant, also called an ICE deportation warrant or a Form I-200 or I-205, is signed by an ICE officer, not a judge. It does not give ICE the legal authority to enter your home without your consent. ICE agents are legally required to have a judicial warrant, signed by a federal judge or magistrate, to forcibly enter a private residence.
Steps to take when ICE comes to your door: do not open the door. Ask through the closed door whether they have a judicial warrant. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it. If they do not have a judicial warrant, state clearly through the door that you do not consent to entry. Show your red card for immigration if you open the door at any point. Do not answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the country. Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
If ICE does have a judicial warrant for your arrest specifically, they can enter. Even in that situation, you retain the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. For individuals who have already received a notice to appear in immigration court, having an attorney in place before any further ICE contact is especially important. For a broader look at current enforcement patterns, the related post on the Trump deportation plan in 2025 to 2026 covers what has changed and what to expect.
Your Rights During an ICE Encounter at the Workplace
ICE worksite enforcement has increased dramatically under the current administration. Workers have been arrested at construction sites, restaurants, farms, packing facilities, and retail businesses. Employers have also faced penalties for failing to maintain proper I-9 employment verification records.
If ICE comes to your workplace: remain calm and do not run. You have the right to remain silent and you do not have to answer questions about your immigration status. Show your red card immigration card if asked to speak with agents. Do not sign any documents without first speaking to an attorney. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. If you are detained, clearly state that you wish to speak with a lawyer.
ICE worksite raids often involve agents separating workers and interviewing them individually in an attempt to obtain statements quickly before workers realize they can remain silent. The red card for immigration is most effective in exactly these situations because it removes the pressure of having to verbally assert your rights under stress.
Employers who are concerned about ICE worksite enforcement and their obligations under federal immigration law should consult with an immigration attorney about I-9 compliance and what to do if agents arrive at their business. Aftalion Law Group represents workers and families affected by workplace enforcement actions throughout California.
What to Do After an ICE Encounter
Whether the encounter ends without arrest or results in detention, the steps you take immediately after matter.
If you were not arrested, document everything you can remember about the encounter, including the date, time, location, and what was said. Contact an immigration attorney to review your current status and assess your risk. Inform trusted family members or a designated emergency contact that the encounter occurred.
If you or a family member was detained, contact an immigration attorney immediately. Time matters in detention cases because bond hearings and removal proceedings move quickly. Gather any immigration documents you have, including visa records, green card documents, prior applications, and any notices from USCIS or immigration court. Do not discuss your immigration case with other detainees or anyone other than your attorney.
The criminal immigration attorneys at Aftalion Law Group handle cases where a criminal record intersects with immigration enforcement, which is increasingly common under the current deportation strategy. If you or a family member face a deportation order, legal options including waivers and appeals may still be available depending on the circumstances.
Create a Family Preparedness Plan
Families should prepare before an ICE encounter happens, not after. A family preparedness plan should include the phone number of an immigration attorney who can respond quickly, a designated emergency contact who can care for children if a parent is detained, copies of important immigration documents stored in a secure location accessible to trusted contacts, and instructions for children on what to do if someone comes to the door. The City of Los Angeles provides free family preparedness toolkit resources through its FamilySource Centers in multiple languages. Aftalion Law Group helps families create preparedness plans so that everyone, including children, knows what to do in an enforcement situation.
A Red Card Is a Start. Aftalion Law Group Is the Shield.
ICE enforcement is unpredictable and has reached communities that previously felt protected. Carrying a red card for immigration and knowing your rights is a starting point, but it is not a substitute for legal representation. The immigration attorneys at Aftalion Law Group can assess your specific situation, help you prepare for enforcement scenarios, and stand beside you if you are placed in removal proceedings. We serve immigrants in Los Angeles and across the United States.
Contact Aftalion Law Group today for a free consultation on your immigration rights and how to protect yourself and your family under the current enforcement environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent, and refusing to answer questions from ICE agents is not a crime. The Fifth Amendment protects everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, from being compelled to answer questions that could be used against them. You can state clearly that you are exercising your right to remain silent and wish to speak with an attorney.
Opening the door does not automatically give ICE consent to enter, but it can complicate the situation. If you open the door and ICE does not have a judicial warrant, you can still state that you do not consent to their entry and that you wish to remain silent. Step outside and close the door behind you if you choose to speak, so that opening the door is not interpreted as consent to enter. Contact Aftalion Law Group immediately after any ICE encounter at your home.
Employers can deny ICE access to private, non-public areas of a workplace unless ICE presents a judicial warrant. Public areas of a business, such as a lobby or dining area, are generally accessible, but private offices, break rooms, and work floors are not without a warrant or employer consent.
Yes. A pending application does not provide automatic protection from ICE arrest or detention. While certain applications may support a request for release or a stay of removal, they do not prevent enforcement action. If you have a pending application and are detained, it is critical to inform your attorney immediately so they can present your pending case to the immigration court.
No. A red card for immigration asserts your constitutional rights, but it does not prevent ICE from arresting you if they have a judicial warrant or legal grounds to do so. The card protects your right to remain silent and to refuse a search, which can prevent you from inadvertently providing information used against you later. It is a tool to protect your rights, not a shield against arrest.
Children should be taught not to open the door to strangers, including ICE agents, and to immediately find a trusted adult. Families should prepare a safety plan that includes emergency contacts, the phone number of an immigration attorney, and instructions for who will care for children if a parent is detained. Aftalion Law Group helps families create family preparedness plans.
Reviewed by: Jonathan Aftalion, Esq.
Author Bio: Jonathan Aftalion is the founder of Aftalion Law Group, an immigration law firm based in Los Angeles, California. He represents individuals and families facing ICE enforcement actions, detention, and removal proceedings across the United States.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship with Aftalion Law Group. Every immigration case is different, and if you need guidance about your specific situation, please schedule a consultation with a qualified immigration attorney.
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