The National Immigration Law Center advises all employers to train staff NOT to speak with ICE agents, or let them into the building.
ICE agents don’t always have the right to enter your business, stop and arrest workers, or take documents.
Officers need a warrant to enter private areas and it MUST be signed by a judge. Without this warrant they need the owner’s permission to enter private spaces
Immigration agents can enter public areas without anyone’s permission, but that doesn’t give them the authority to stop, question, or arrest just anyone in that space.
If you’re the employer and your business is raided, make sure to document things like,
- How many ICE agents were present?
-How were the agents dressed? How were they armed?
- Did the agents make you or your workers believe you could not move or leave?
- Did the agents mistreat anyone? If yes, how?
If agents arrest any of your workers, ask where they’re being taken so their family and lawyer can easily find them.
If you are arrested or detained from your place of work, remember you have the right to remain silent and speak with a lawyer. More information on how you can protect yourself and your employees can be found at the National Immigration Law Center’s website nilc.org.
