Faith in Action: The Civic Engagement Group’s “Red Card” Outreach

Know Your Rights

Civic Engagement Group: Protecting and Supporting Our Community

A red card reads "I HAVE RIGHTS! ¡TENGO DERECHOS!" with scissors icons in the corners.

I Have Rights

All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Our new Civic Engagement Group at Saint Matthew is distributing “Red Cards” from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).

These cards help individuals assert their rights and defend themselves against unconstitutional actions. Available in both English and Spanish, they are being distributed through our food pantries and other civic outreach programs.

How to Exercise Your Rights

  • DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking.
  • DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS. You have the right to remain silent.
  • DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer.
  • IF OUTSIDE: Ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, leave calmly.
  • GIVE THE CARD TO THE AGENT: If inside, show the card through a window or slide it under the door.

The “Red Card” Text

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike. The text below is shown in white for easier reading.

Front of Card

You have constitutional rights:

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 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.

Get Involved & Learn More

For more information on the Civic Engagement Group, please contact Pastor Trozzo or Mildy Walton.

To learn more about the ILRC and Red Cards, visit: www.ilrc.org/red-cards

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