What should you do if ICE comes to your home or workplace?
ATLANTA, Ga. - With immigration raids taking place in Georgia and across the country since Donald Trump retook the White House, what should you do if agents show up at your home or workplace?
An Atlanta Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said agents are enforcing the law and “keeping potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities.”
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As federal immigration raids begin around the country, including in Georgia, some undocumented families are worried about their future.
Among other places, agents have been taking people into custody in Cartersville, at the Atlanta airport, and, as shown by a Ring camera, at a home in Lilburn, where they showed up to arrest a Honduran native who was living with his brother.
“We’ve been actively calming people’s fears since the day after the election, because anyone who really understood Trump knew all of this was coming,” said Charles Kuck, an Atlanta-area immigration attorney.
While it’s unclear how long the arrests will last, Kuck said undocumented immigrants have the right to remain silent and the right not to let someone into their home without a signed warrant.
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“ICE issues these things called ‘istrative warrants’ that do not have the power of law and do not allow entry into a property. They don’t satisfy the requirements of the Fourth Amendment. If they want to come in your house, they need a judicially signed warrant from a federal court judge,” Kuck said. “You simply say, ‘I’m not letting you into my house. I’m not speaking to you any longer, and I’m calling my lawyer. Thank you.’”
Advice for employers
Immigration firm Boundless Immigration had some advice Monday for employers if ICE shows up:
- Maintain a professional demeanor and ensure all staff remains composed. Panic can escalate tensions and complicate the situation.
- Request to see the warrant immediately.
- it’s signed by a judge (not just an istrative warrant).
- Confirm it lists your company’s correct legal name and address.
- Document the warrant’s scope and limitations.
- Send a copy to your legal counsel immediately.
- Assign a designated employee to accompany ICE agents.
- Document all areas searched and items seized.
- Ensure agents stay within the warrant’s scope.
- Take detailed notes of the entire process.
- Do not obstruct or interfere with the search.
- Remind employees of their right to remain silent.
- Inform them of their right to legal counsel.
- Do not provide false information or assist in employee escape.
- Maintain a list of employees present during the raid.
- Record what areas were searched.
- Note what documents or items were seized.
- Document any conversations or interactions with agents.
- Photograph or video record the raid if permitted.
- Keep copies of all documentation provided to ICE.
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