Almost half (49%) of AA/PI adults experienced an act of hate in 2023 due to their race, ethnicity, or nationality — a reminder that hate remains pervasive across AA/PI communities.
"From Pain to Power" report by Stop AAPI Hate and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago
Know Your Rights
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Fourth & Fifth Amendments. Knowing and asserting rights can make a huge difference in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. "Red cards" provide critical information on how to assert these rights, along with an explanation to ICE agents that the individual is indeed asserting their rights.
Red Cards
The "Know Your Rights Red Cards" were created to help people assert their rights and defend themselves against constitutional violations. Knowing and asserting rights can make a huge difference in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. They provide critical information on how to assert these rights, along with an explanation to ICE agents that the individual is indeed asserting their rights.
The cards are available for download and printing in several languages. They can also be purchased or ordered for free by non-profits and public defenders. Red card content includes:
"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.
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."
Resources and Contacts
Washington State
RCW 43.10.305 - Hate crimes and bias incidents hotline
Office of the Attorney General
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)
- WAISN Reporting Hotline 1-844-RAID-REP (1-844-724-3737) - The hotline runs 7 days a week, from 6AM to 9PM, and will allow people to report when loved ones or friends have been detained by immigration agents or other instances of problematic behavior conducted by immigration officials in Washington.
- WAISN Text-Message Alert System: Text “ICE” or “Migra” to 509-300-4959 - Sends out SMS text notifications about ICE activity in Washington.
National
Stop AAPI Hate
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)