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In 2018, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided businesses across the U.S., arresting hundreds of immigrant workers.  This included raids of ninety eight 7-11 convenience stores in 17 different states in January; of a Ohio meatpacking plant in June, resulting in 146 arrests of mostly Guatemalan workers; and of a Texas trailer manufacturing facility in August, resulting in the detention of 160 workers.  Even “sanctuary” states like California have seen numerous ICE workplace raids in recent months.

During the Obama era, the government typically investigated employers through paperwork audits of employment files.  The Trump administration’s strategy is different. It seeks to sow fear among immigrant communities by arriving at workplaces unannounced and arresting workers who don’t have work permits.  While raids are unpredictable, there are concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.

How to protect yourself in case of raid?

Have a plan
• If you have children, chose someone you trust who can pick them up from school and take care of them in case you are detained. Keep all your important documents (identity-related, financial, medical, etc.) in a safe place and choose someone you trust to contact  in case of emergency. Consider whether to assign someone you trust Power of Attorney ("power of attorney") to facilitate decision-making in your absence.
• Keep a written list of emergency contacts and a lawyer on hand, and make sure your relatives have access to a list of lawyers they can contact.
• At work: consider making a pact with your union (if you have one) your co-workers, and/or the employer, in case of a raid or visit by ICE agents at the workplace. ICE cannot enter a business without the permission of the owner, or without a court order. Making a pact to keep silent during a raid is everyone’s right and can protect the most vulnerable people.

If ICE or police agents arrive at your residence or work
• Avoid opening the door. If they do not have a court order, they cannot enter a private residence (or place of work) without the owner's permission.
• If they manage to enter, it is important to keep quiet and stay calm. You can say, "I would like to exercise my right to remain silent and not answer questions." Anything you say could be used against you.
• If ICE agents enter without permission and without a court order, the owner of the residence or work can tell them, "I do not give you permission to be in my house. Please, get out."
• Document everything - take pictures, record video. Record the main characteristics or type of uniform of the agents, their names, and their agencies (DHS? ICE?).
• They may ask for your contact information; you are not obligated to give them information but you should not lie.

In case you are detained
• You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
• Do not answer questions without the presence of a lawyer.

During a raid, interrogation, or detention, under NO circumstances should you:
• Run, flee, or resist.
• Tell lies - it is better to keep silent than to give false information.
• Present falsified or expired documents.
• Sign any document - much less documents that you do not understand.

For more information, consult these websites from the American Civil Liberties Union (your rights at home and if you are detained) and the National Immigration Law Center, or call the Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. at 01.800.590.1773 (free in Mexico) or at 1.855.234.9699 (free in the U.S.).