Before a Raid: Preparation is Critical
The chaotic, highly coercive environment of a workplace raid requires advance preparation. Pre-planning directly impacts physical safety and preservation of legal defenses.
For Workers
- [ ] Memorize your attorney's phone number
- [ ] Memorize your emergency family contact number
- [ ] Carry a Know Your Rights card
- [ ] Know where exits are located
- [ ] Practice what to say (script below)
- [ ] Know the difference between public and private areas
For Employers
- [ ] Train a designated representative to respond
- [ ] Post "Employees Only / Private" signage on restricted areas
- [ ] Install locks on employee-only zones
- [ ] Have attorney contact information readily available
- [ ] Train all staff on the response protocol
- [ ] Know the difference between judicial and administrative warrants
Step 1: When ICE Arrives
Stay Calm - Do Not Run
Running gives agents legal justification to pursue and apprehend you.
Sudden flight creates "reasonable suspicion" allowing:
- Pursuit
- Physical apprehension
- Subsequent detention
What to do instead:
- Remain where you are
- Stay calm
- Prepare to assert your rights
Employer Representative Response
A designated, trained company representative should immediately:
- Intercept the lead agent in public areas
- Deny consent to access restricted areas
- State clearly:
"I am the authorized representative of this business. This is a private area. You cannot enter without a judicial warrant signed by a judge."
Step 2: Warrant Verification
Request to See the Warrant
Before allowing any access, the representative must:
- Request a physical copy of any warrant
- Review it carefully before stepping aside
- Determine what type of warrant it is
How to Identify Warrant Types
| Feature | Judicial Warrant | Administrative Warrant |
|---|---|---|
| Header | "U.S. District Court" or state court | "Department of Homeland Security" |
| Signed by | Magistrate or Judge | Immigration Officer |
| Permits entry | YES - to specified areas | NO - not without consent |
| Form numbers | Court filing numbers | I-200, I-205 |
If They Have a Judicial Warrant
- Agents can enter specified areas
- Review the warrant to see what areas are covered
- Do not obstruct but do not assist
If They Have an Administrative Warrant
- This does NOT authorize non-consensual entry
- State clearly: "I do not consent to this entry or search"
- If they force entry, your objection preserves legal defenses
Step 3: During the Operation
What Employers Should NOT Do
- Do NOT help agents sort employees by race or national origin
- Do NOT direct agents to specific individuals
- Do NOT furnish unsolicited employee records
- Do NOT actively assist the operation
What Workers Should Do
If an agent approaches you, follow this script:
Step 1: Ask clearly:
"Am I free to leave?"
If they say YES: Calmly walk away. Do not run.
If they say NO: You are detained. Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: State:
"I exercise my right to remain silent. I wish to speak to an attorney. I do not consent to a search of my person or belongings."
Step 3: Remain silent. Do not answer further questions.
Step 4: If You Are Detained
Strict Protocol
- Continue to remain silent
- Do NOT sign any documents
- ICE will try to get signatures on voluntary departure forms
- These waive your right to see a judge
- Result in immediate deportation
- Repeatedly request a phone call
- Call attorney
- Call family member
- Memorize the location you are being taken to
Voluntary Departure Warning
ICE frequently presents voluntary departure agreements.
DO NOT SIGN.
These documents:
- Waive your right to a hearing
- Result in immediate deportation
- Eliminate your ability to fight your case
Step 5: Documenting the Raid
Your Right to Record
You have a First Amendment right to record law enforcement actions if:
- You do not physically interfere
- You maintain a safe distance
- You do not obstruct agents
What to Document
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Number of agents | Establishes scale of operation |
| Agencies involved | ICE, CBP, local police coordination |
| Badge numbers | Accountability |
| License plates | Vehicle identification |
| Time of arrival/departure | Timeline evidence |
| Visible firearms | Force level |
| Any force used | Rights violation evidence |
| Racial slurs or coercion | Civil rights violations |
Step 6: After the Raid
For Employers
- Request inventory of seized items from supervising agent
- Secure CCTV footage immediately (prevents spoliation)
- Duplicate surveillance recordings
- Locate detained employees:
- Call local ICE field offices
- Use ICE Online Detainee Locator System
- Notify employee families if possible
- Contact legal counsel for employees
For Coworkers/Witnesses
- Write down everything you saw immediately
- Include names of detained coworkers if known
- Note any rights violations observed
- Provide information to attorneys or advocates
- Do not speak to ICE about coworkers
Locating Detained Coworkers
ICE Online Detainee Locator
Website: locator.ice.gov
Required information:
- Full legal name
- Country of birth
- Date of birth
- A-Number (if known)
Local ICE Field Offices
Contact your regional ICE field office:
- Ask if the person is in their custody
- Ask what facility they were transported to
Immigration Attorney
An attorney can:
- File an appearance immediately
- Access custody information
- Begin bond process
- Prevent coerced signatures
Filing Complaints After a Raid
If Your Rights Were Violated
DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)
- Reports systemic civil rights abuses
- Website: dhs.gov/crcl
DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline
- Reports misconduct by DHS employees
- Hotline: 1-800-323-8603
ACLU
- Document and report rights violations
- May pursue legal action
What Constitutes a Violation
- Entry into private areas without judicial warrant
- Prolonged detention based solely on race
- Physical coercion to extract admissions
- Denial of access to attorney
- Forced signing of documents
- Racial slurs or harassment
Quick Reference Card
What to Say
"Am I free to leave?"
If no:
"I exercise my right to remain silent. I wish to speak to an attorney. I do not consent to a search of my person or belongings."
What NOT to Do
- Do NOT run
- Do NOT lie
- Do NOT show foreign documents
- Do NOT sign anything
- Do NOT physically resist
- Do NOT answer questions about your status
Emergency Numbers
| Contact | Number |
|---|---|
| My attorney | _____________ |
| Family emergency | _____________ |
| Rapid response hotline | _____________ |
| ICE Detainee Locator | locator.ice.gov |