Protecting Our Communities:

A Guide to Knowing Your Rights

Knowledge and preparation is our strongest defense.

In an era of shifting policies and increased enforcement, every resident—regardless of citizenship status—must be equipped with the tools to stay safe, assert their legal rights, and support their neighbors.

Why This Matters

Strength Through Information and Unity. Legal rights are only effective if you know how to exercise them. Reports of targeting and detentions can create a climate of fear, but preparation allows our communities to remain resilient. Whether you are an immigrant, a naturalized citizen, or a long-time resident, understanding the law is a vital step in ensuring the safety of your family and your peers.

We encourage everyone to:

Know Your Protections: Understand what the law allows when interacting with authorities.
Keep Resources Ready: Always carry "Know Your Rights" documentation.
Build Support Networks: Organize local volunteer groups to share information and provide mutual aid.

Download Your "Know Your Rights" Wallet Cards

Know Your Rights cards are available for you to keep and use when you need to protect or defend your rights. These "Red Cards" provide a basic script for you to read or provide to authorities to protect your 4th and 5th Amendment constitutional rihts.

These cards were created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and can be printed out at home, or you can purchase them in bulk for large orders of 50 or more here.

For additional languages, please visit the ILRC website here.

What Do These Red Cards Say?

These red cards help you navigate what happens when you are stopped by authorities or when they knock on your door.

Here is the English script on every red card:

"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."

Note: These cards are not for individualized legal advice and The Diaspora Academy is not authorized to provide legal advice. Community members are encouraged to check in with a trusted legal service provider for questions about their situation.

Know Your Rights Red Cards in Multiple Languages

Print these out or save them to your phone for easy access. Thank you to the Immigrant Law Resource Center for creating these red cards in over 50 languages.

Select your language to download:

Don't see your language? Click here for the ILRC's full list!

Watch: "Know Your Rights" Video Trainings

Watch these short videos to help you understand your rights and how to protect them when you are dealing with authorities. These videos are from African Communities Together, an African immigrant rights organization based in the United States.

Know Your Rights (Tigrinia) - from African Communities Together

Know Your Rights (Afaan Oromo) - from African Communities Together

Know Your Rights (Amharic) - from African Communities Together

Know Your Rights (Arabic) - from African Communities Together

Know Your Rights (English) - from African Communities Together

Know Your Rights (Fulani) - from African Communities Together

Know Your Rights (Wolof) - from African Communities Together

1. The "We Have Rights" Series (ACLU & Brooklyn Defender Services)

When ICE is Outside Our Doors – What to do if agents come to your home.
In Our Communities & Streets – How to handle being stopped while walking or in your car.
If ICE Arrests Us – Critical steps to take if you or a loved one is taken into custody.

2. Comprehensive Community Tutorials

What to Do If You Encounter ICE (Full Training) – A deep dive into legal rights and key phrases to use to avoid self-incrimination.
ICE at Your Doorstep (Quick Guide) – A short, 60-second summary of your primary protections at home.
Preparing Your Family Plan (ILRC) – Video orientations on how to create a "Family Preparedness Plan" for emergencies.

Additional Resources

Minnesota Legal Support

For a comprehensive list of legal resources and detailed rights information in Minnesota, including where to find legal support, childcare assistance, and preparedness guides, visit the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

Access ILCM's Full Resource Library