Ongoing Resources For ICE Encounters

Community-Sourced Support for ICE Encounters

ASL Spring believes safety, respect, and language access are human rights. The resources below were created by Deaf, disabled, and community-based organizations to support people who may be impacted by immigration enforcement. This list is not legal advice, but it is a starting place for learning your rights, protecting yourself, and supporting others.

Immediate Rights Tools (Printable & Shareable)

Know Your Rights Cards in Multiple Signed Languages

These cards provide the same rights information in a variety of signed languages, making them useful for Deaf immigrants from many countries.

Best for: Deaf individuals from other countries, families, and service providers.

Communication Access During ICE Encounters

Effective Communication Rights for Deaf & Hard of Hearing People (NAD)

This resource explains the legal requirement for ICE and other federal agents to provide accessible communication. It outlines when interpreters must be provided and what counts as effective access.

Best for: Advocates, interpreters, educators, and Deaf individuals who want to understand their rights in federal interactions.

ASL Red Card – Know Your Rights

This printable red card clearly states your legal rights during an ICE interaction and asserts your need for accessible communication. It is designed to be shown to officers when a Deaf or disabled person cannot communicate verbally.

Best for: Quick reference, wallet-sized printouts, emergency use.

ICE Communication Boards (Kentucky Commission for the DHH)

Scroll down to the Yellow card! This visual board uses simple language, symbols, and pictures to communicate basic needs and rights during stressful encounters, while also clearly communicating your emergency contact. Video description in ASL also provided.

Best for: Deaf/HOH people, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and emergency situations.

Family & Child-Centered Resources

Talking to Children About ICE (Deaf Counseling)

This short, trauma-informed resource helps caregivers explain ICE and immigration stress to children in a developmentally appropriate and emotionally safe way.

Best for: Deaf families, educators, counselors, and caregivers.

🏘 Community-Based Rapid Response & Local Support

5 Calls App

Easily contact your elected officials, will generate a script for you based on the issue you are calling about to make it easier.  

Best for: All USA Residents

Minnesota Immigration Resource Toolkit

MADC’s community resource list connects Deaf Minnesotans to advocacy, safety planning, and community support services.

Best for: Deaf people in Minnesota seeking local support and networks.

Immigrants Rights (ACLU)

MnNEAT’s page focuses on disability-accessible crisis and safety planning during ICE-related emergencies, especially for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.

Best for: Immigrants and their families, educators, and advocates.

Know Your Rights Video Resources (Multilingual)

ASL + Mexican Sign Language (LSM)

A bilingual video explaining rights in both ASL and LSM, created for Deaf immigrants from Mexico and mixed-language families.

Best for: ASL–LSM bilingual households and community spaces.

ASL + Ecuadorian Sign Language (LSEC)

This version supports Deaf Ecuadorian immigrants and families who use LSEC alongside ASL.

Best for: Ecuadorian Deaf communities and bilingual service settings.

Our Commitment at ASL Spring

ASL Spring stands against harm, hatred, dehumanization, and state violence. We believe language access, cultural respect, and community care are essential for safety. We will continue to share resources and create spaces that affirm the dignity of every person.