Donald Trump arrived in office promising​​ an immigration crackdown. Swearing to continue the groundwork he laid during his first period, Trump rolled out executive orders to revise current immigration policies. Among his first actions were ending birthright citizenship—an order temporarily halted by a federal judge in Seattle—and declaring a national emergency at the southern border.

But Trump’s agenda runs deeper 

Before stepping into his new role, the president’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced large-scale immigration raids. To conduct those, the Homeland Security Department even issued new “directives.” The first allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry “enforcement actions” in locations such as churches, schools and hospitals. The second ends all humanitarian parole programs. 

Additionally, as The New York Times reported, the Justice Department has shared a three-page memo. The document commands state and local officials to “cooperate with the department under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, or face criminal prosecution or civil penalties if they fail to comply.”

Why are Latinas sharing red cards?

Following these announcements, community members, organizations, and content creators have gathered to share helpful resources. 

@diana.santiago_

Please learn/ know your rights! Tell your families! The anxiety I have over this and the urge to prepare for the worse. We’re a few hours away from Chicago but you just never know. Stay safe out there, praying for everyone and their families ???????????? https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas #ICEraids #chicago #immigrantdaughter #eldestdaughter #immigrationraids #mexicantok #chicagotiktok #immigrationreform #2025presidentialadministration

♬ fantasmas – HUMBE

Latina creators first took to the internet to share their grievances about the raids. TikTok videos showed them printing and cutting red cards (tarjetas rojas) from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The first videos quickly prompted a wave of informational content featuring immigrant daughters and teachers creating cards for their family members and students. 

The ILRC red cards contain crucial information for people to know how to proceed if questioned by ICE agents. “[They] help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home,” says the non-profit organization on its official website.

@_favy_

Making sure we give our families and community resources so they know their rights. #lamigra #ice #deportation #immigrant #immigration #immigrationrights #immigrantrights #immigrants #redcard #tarjetaroja #latino #hispanic #knowyourrights #fypツ #foryoupage #paratii #hopecore #goodpeople #schools #teachersoftiktok

♬ original sound – Favy

Red Cards to Know Your Rights 

As explained on the cards, anyone on U.S. soil, regardless of immigration status, has rights and protections granted by the U.S. Constitution. The red cards offer tips and reminders on how to exercise your rights and what to do and say in those situations. On one side, the card lists essential tips such as: 

  • 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 your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave, and if they say yes, leave calmly. 
@mels_bells_el

Day 2 #latinacontentcreator #fyp #latinasoftiktok #millennialsoftiktok #teachersoftiktok #immigrantsmakeamericagreat #parati #immigrantstories #firstgeneration

♬ Hasta La Piel – Carla Morrison & Various Artists

The red cards, which are free to download, have now been translated into several languages. The idea is that even people who don’t speak the language can communicate with ICE agents through them. Those who can’t or don’t wish to talk to ICE agents can show them the card or slip it through their doors. ICE agents will read the following message:

“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,” the cards read. “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.”

Community coming together

Following the examples shown on social media, other organizations and individuals are creating their own informative content and resources. Non-profits such as Make the Road NY and the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network have shared printable brochures and manuals. Meanwhile, the League of Latin American Citizens and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs have reunited relevant information on their website. 

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