What to Expect During an Immigration Raid

What to Expect During an Immigration Raid: Know Your Rights

Immigration raids can happen at any time, to any household. Understanding what to expect during an ICE raid and knowing your legal rights can make a significant difference in how you handle these situations. The immigration attorney at the Law Offices of Diron Rutty, LLC, will help you prepare for potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and protect yourself and your loved ones.

How ICE Might Know About You

ICE agents don’t randomly select homes for raids. They typically have specific information about the people they’re seeking. Understanding how they might have obtained your information can help you better assess your situation.

Common Ways ICE Gathers Information

ICE may have your information if you have:

• Submitted immigration applications for green cards, naturalization, work authorization, or any type of lawful status
• Been arrested and had your fingerprints taken by police
• A pending criminal case in the court system
• Probation or parole status with regular check-ins
• Applied for a driver’s license or registered a vehicle with the state

These routine interactions with government agencies create records that ICE can access during its investigations. Even legal activities, such as applying for immigration benefits, can put you on their radar.

Identifying ICE Agents: Not Always Clear

One of the most challenging aspects of an immigration raid is that ICE agents often fail to clearly identify themselves. This deliberate ambiguity is a common tactic that can confuse residents and increase their likelihood of cooperation.

What ICE Agents Look Like

ICE agents often present themselves as regular police officers. They may wear:

• Bulletproof vests with “POLICE” written on them
• Plain clothes that look like detective uniforms
• Standard police equipment and gear

They frequently use unmarked cars during raids, making it even harder to distinguish them from local law enforcement.

How to Verify Their Identity

Before allowing any officers into your home, ask these specific questions:

• “Where do you work?”
• “Are you from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)?”
• “Are you from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?”

Look carefully for DHS or ICE identification on their:

• Uniforms or clothing
• Vehicles or equipment
• Paperwork or badges

Remember, asking these questions is your right, and legitimate officers should provide clear identification.

Entry Tactics: Lies, Force, and Intimidation

Immigration raids typically occur early in the morning when people are most likely to be asleep or getting ready for work and school. However, ICE agents may come at any time of day and may return multiple times if they don’t find the person they’re looking for.

ICE officers usually don’t have judge-signed warrants that allow them to enter homes without consent. Instead, they rely on three main tactics:

Common Lies ICE Tells

ICE agents frequently use deception to gain entry:

• Identity theft claims: “We believe Mr. X’s identity was stolen and need your help.” When someone brings the targeted person forward, ICE arrests them.
• Fake investigations: “We are investigating a crime and want to see if you know the person we’re looking for.” They show photos of strangers, then reveal the real target.
• Casual requests: “Is Mr. X here? We just need him to step into the hallway to talk to him.” Once the person steps outside, multiple agents appear for the arrest.

Force and Intimidation Tactics

When lies don’t work, ICE may use intimidation:

• Knocking loudly or making noise to pressure you into opening the door
• Threatening to return with a warrant and “rip the house apart”
• Pushing through the door when someone opens it
• Displaying weapons or keeping weapons drawn
• Showing up multiple times to wear down resistance

Your Rights During an Immigration Raid

1. Do You Have to Let ICE Into Your Home?

No, you do not have to let ICE into your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge giving them authorization to search or arrest someone at your specific address. A warrant signed by ICE alone is not sufficient to allow entry without your permission. Remember:

• Opening the door is NOT consent to enter your home
• You can speak through the door without opening it
• You have the right to ask for identification before any interaction
• You can refuse entry if they don’t have a proper warrant

What to Say if ICE Enters Without Permission

If ICE agents enter your home without your consent, clearly state: “I do not consent to your entering my home,” even if they are already inside. This statement can be important for any future legal proceedings.

Legal Skill You Can Trust

Dealing with immigration issues requires experienced legal representation. At the Law Offices of Diron Rutty, LLC, our legal team consists of experienced professionals, including members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Our New York law firm takes comprehensive steps to ensure that our staff stays current on changes in immigration law. We regularly and consistently educate our team on evolving immigration rights and laws that may affect our clients.

When you contact our office, you can trust that our New York immigration attorneys have the latest information on legal issues and can create an effective action plan to help you move forward with your immigration case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.