Red Card: What to Do During an Encounter with ICE

Imagine you’re at home when someone suddenly knocks loudly on your door. You ask who it is and hear that they are immigration agents. At that moment, it’s normal to have many questions all at once: Should I open the door? Do I have to answer their questions? What happens if they ask me to sign something?

Knowing your immigration rights before experiencing a situation like this can help you react more calmly. It’s not about arguing or confronting anyone, but about knowing what you can do and what you should avoid.

If immigration agents come to your door:

Stay calm.
Don’t automatically open the door.
Ask if they have a warrant.
Don’t sign documents you don’t understand.
You can exercise your right to remain silent.
Ask to speak with a lawyer before making other decisions.

In this guide, we explain what each of these steps means, how to use a red card, and what you should keep in mind if you encounter immigration agents in Texas.

What Should You Do If Immigration Agents Come to Your Home?

If immigration agents come to your door, you don’t have to decide everything at that moment. The most important thing is to stay calm and act step by step. Knowing your rights when dealing with immigration authorities can help you avoid mistakes caused by fear or pressure.

Keep the door closed. You can speak with the agents without opening it.
Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge.
Ask to see it. You can request that they slide it under the door or show it through a window.
You can exercise your right to remain silent.
Don’t sign documents you don’t understand before speaking with a lawyer.
Ask to speak with your lawyer if you need guidance on what to do next.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center recommends keeping the door closed while verifying a judicial warrant and not signing documents without first speaking with a lawyer.

What Is the Red Card and How Is It Used?

The Red Card allows you to clearly communicate, without getting into an argument, that you want to exercise your constitutional rights during an encounter with immigration agents. You can hand it directly to the agent or, if you are inside your home, show it through a window or slide it under the door.

The card also states in writing that:

You wish to remain silent.
You do not want to sign or hand over documents.
You do not give permission to enter or search your home or belongings.

It also expressly invokes your rights under the Fourth Amendment and the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

What Type of Warrant Should You Ask for Before Opening the Door?

Not all ICE warrants have the same legal effect. Before opening the door, ask to see whether the agents have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

The main difference is this:

Document	Who Issues It?	Does It Authorize Entry Into Your Home on Its Own?
Judicial Warrant	Judge or magistrate	May authorize entry if it meets legal requirements
Form I-200	ICE	It is not a judicial warrant
Form I-205	ICE	It is not a judicial warrant

ICE uses Forms I-200 and I-205 as administrative warrants within the immigration system.

If agents are at your door:

Keep the door closed.
Ask to see the warrant.
Request that they show it through a window or slide it under the door.
Check whether it is signed by a judge or magistrate.

The National Immigration Law Center explains that an administrative warrant signed by ICE or DHS does not, on its own, authorize entry into a home without permission. This includes Form I-205, which is issued and signed by ICE, not a judge.

Understanding this difference is an important part of your immigration rights.

What Can You Do If You Are Outside Your Home?

If immigration agents stop you on the street, at work, or in another public place, stay calm and avoid walking away without knowing whether you can do so. A simple question can help you understand the situation: “Am I free to leave?”

If the agent says yes, you can calmly walk away. In the meantime:

Do not run or physically resist.
Do not argue with the agents.
Do not provide false information.
Do not present false documents.
You can state that you wish to remain silent.

These recommendations are consistent with the current National Immigration Law Center guidelines for encounters with ICE outside the home.

What Should You Avoid Doing During an Encounter with ICE?

During an encounter with ICE, acting out of fear or pressure can complicate the situation. Knowing your immigration rights also means knowing what you should avoid.

Do not open the door impulsively.
Do not lie about your immigration status.
Do not present false documents.
Do not sign documents you do not understand.
Do not physically resist.
Do not allow a search if you do not wish to give your consent.

An important point: remaining silent does not mean you should never show documents. The ACLU explains that if you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent asks for your valid immigration documents, you must show them if you have them with you. Additionally, individuals over the age of 18 with valid immigration documents must carry them with them.