What to Do If ICE Shows Up at Your Work or Home
What to Do If ICE Shows Up at Your Work or Home
If you’ve ever wondered what to do if ICE shows up at your workplace or home, you're not alone, and you're right to be concerned. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can arrive unannounced, but knowing your rights and having a clear plan can make a world of difference.
Employer Guidelines: Know Your Rights During ICE Visit
If you’re a business owner or employer, here are the key things you need to know:
1. ICE needs to give notice before I-9 inspections.
ICE must provide three days’ (72 hours) notice before they inspect your I-9 employment eligibility forms. If they demand access without notice, that’s a red flag.
2. They can’t go anywhere they want.
ICE cannot enter non-public areas of your business unless they have a judicial search warrant. An administrative subpoena or notice of inspection is not the same as a search warrant.
3. You can ask them to wait.
You have the right to request that ICE agents wait while you verify their documents and contact legal counsel. Don’t feel pressured into allowing immediate access.
4. Prep your team.
Identify a designated point of contact for handling any ICE interactions. Make sure your staff knows who that is and what steps to follow.
5. Have legal help ready.
It’s wise to retain immigration counsel ahead of time so you’re not scrambling in a crisis. Quick legal guidance can help prevent costly mistakes.
And most importantly, you are not required to speak to ICE agents or allow immediate entry unless they present the correct legal documentation.
For Employees: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re at work or home, here’s what you need to know before and during an unexpected ICE visit:
You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or provide documents unless presented with a valid warrant.
You don’t have to open the door. If ICE shows up at your home, ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window. Check for:
Your correct name and address
A judge’s signature
Don’t hand over documents without confirmation. If they don’t have a judicial warrant, you are not obligated to comply with their requests.
If detained, invoke your rights. Clearly state: “I am invoking my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and I want to speak to an attorney.”
Preparation Is Protection
Understanding what to do if ICE shows up is not about fear, it’s about being prepared, informed, and legally protected. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or community member, knowing what ICE can and cannot legally do empowers you to respond with confidence.
Next Steps
If this topic matters to you, explore more resources on our blog to stay informed, stay ready, and never be caught off guard. If you need help, give us a call at (314) 932 7111.