Physical Encounter Guide — Print & Keep

Three Cards.
Three Situations.

One card for your wallet. One for your front door. One for your car’s glove box. Plain English. No legal jargon. Exactly what to say — and what not to say — when ICE encounters you. Applies to everyone regardless of immigration status. Sourced to ACLU guidance updated 2026.

Prints to one 8.5×11 sheet · Cut along dotted lines · Fold to wallet size

Three scenarios — three cards

Cut Out and Keep These Cards

Wallet CardStreet Stop

If Stopped on the Street

Say This

“I am invoking my right to remain silent. Am I free to go?”

If not free to go, say

“I do not consent to this search. I want an attorney.”

Do NOT

Lie about your status · Sign anything · Answer questions about where you were born · Run

You have the right to

Remain silent · Refuse searches · Ask if you are free to go · Know what you are accused of

If arrested

Say nothing further. Ask for an attorney immediately. Do not try to explain your situation.

Source

ACLU Know Your Rights · Updated 2026 · Not legal advice

Door CardHome Visit

If ICE Knocks at Your Door

Through the door, say

“I do not consent to entry. Do you have a judicial warrant signed by a judge?”

Two types of warrants

Administrative warrant (I-200/I-205): ICE-issued. You do NOT have to open the door.
Judicial warrant: Signed by a judge, names your address. They may enter.

Do NOT

Open the door · Let them in without a judicial warrant · Sign anything they pass to you

If they force entry, say

“I do not consent to this entry. I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want an attorney.”

Remember

Do not physically resist. State your non-consent verbally and clearly. Note badge numbers.

Source

ACLU · National Immigration Law Center · Updated 2026 · Not legal advice

Car CardCheckpoint / Traffic Stop

If Pulled Over or at a Checkpoint

First

Pull over safely. Turn off the engine. Keep hands visible on the wheel. Stay calm.

Say

“I am invoking my right to remain silent. I do not consent to any searches.”

You must provide

Driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance if driving. Passengers do not have to show ID in most states.

Do NOT

Consent to searches of your car · Answer questions about immigration status · Lie · Reach for anything without saying what you're doing first

At a CBP checkpoint

CBP checkpoints within 100 miles of the border: agents may ask about citizenship. You may decline to answer. They may detain you briefly. Do not consent to searches.

Source

ACLU Know Your Rights · CBP checkpoint guidance · Updated 2026 · Not legal advice

These cards apply to everyone regardless of immigration status. Constitutional rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse a search — apply to all persons on U.S. soil. Carrying these cards and knowing what to say is not obstruction. Physically resisting is different — comply with any physical instructions while verbally asserting your rights. This is not legal advice. If you face deportation proceedings, contact an immigration attorney immediately.

Three Cards.Three Situations.

Three Cards.
Three Situations.