LSA students distribute red ‘Know Your Rights’ cards in support of Harrisonburg’s immigrant community

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.

This bold statement appears on red cards that students from the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) have been handing out to citizens and noncitizens alike. The cards also state a refusal to let officers enter a person’s home without a warrant or to search any of their belongings. Should Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers approach someone they wish to question, the cards remind everyone involved that the United States Constitution provides these rights to anyone living in the U.S. 

LSA has printed hundreds of red cards in languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Russian and distributed them around campus and other places. One recent event where LSA members distributed these cards was during the Harrisonburg Peaceful Protest on Feb. 8. On this Saturday afternoon, several hundred people gathered to march in protest of recently enacted immigration policies. They started from the parking deck near Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and marched to the Grace + Main Cafe at the Hotel Madison and then back again. Members of the LSA not only passed out red cards but also marched and carried signs.

What inspired the LSA to get involved? Yajaira Acuapa, co-president of LSA, said she saw the idea of handing out red cards on TikTok. She wanted the LSA to join other advocates in showing support for the immigrant community and ensuring they know their constitutional rights. 

Cristal Narciso, co-president of LSA, agreed. “It’s important to know that, regardless of your status, you do have rights,” she said. “And no matter what others may tell you, those rights still exist.”

Speaking up for immigrant rights during a time of anti-immigrant rhetoric aligns with EMU’s mission to “cross divides, seek peace and justice, and shape communities and a world where all can thrive.” 

One of EMU’s staff members who supports the LSA in this initiative is Celeste Thomas, director of multicultural student services. She said receiving the cards “gives some empowerment to people who, right now, are feeling very disempowered and afraid.” She applauds the LSA’s proactive gesture, especially because she knows that ICE agents have been working in Harrisonburg. 

Allies of immigrants also find these cards useful, especially if they are with someone who is pulled over, stopped on the streets, or visited at home. Thomas voiced the need for support from allies within the EMU and Harrisonburg communities. “This is a difficult time for immigrants to put their bodies on the line,” she said.

Anyone wanting red cards can request them from cecilia.rafaelcastelan@emu.edu.