If ICE shows up at your workplace, it can be downright terrifying. Do you run? Do you cooperate? Maybe claim the Fifth Amendment if asked any questions? Many people are unsure about what they should do, what rights they have, and what ICE agents can and cannot do. The reality is that the law gives everyone in the United States — including immigrants and undocumented workers — certain constitutional rights. Knowing these rights and acting calmly can protect you, your coworkers, and your employer.

As experienced immigration lawyers in Chicago, we hope to guide you through what to do in these situations. Whether you are an employee, an employer, or someone who may face questions about immigration status, legal guidance can keep you safe and help you make the right choices.

What’s It Like When ICE Comes to Your Workplace?

If ICE agents or immigration and customs enforcement officers arrive at your place of employment, they may ask questions, request documents, or try to enter certain parts of the building. This is what you need to know about how ICE agents can behave:

• ICE can enter public areas like the lobby or reception without a warrant.
• To enter a private area, ICE needs either a judicial warrant signed by a judge or permission from the employer.
• An administrative warrant (like Form I-200) does not allow ICE to go into private areas.

If ICE does not have the proper warrant, you and your employer can refuse entry to all non-public spaces. Always ask calmly and respectfully for the ICE agents to show their warrant and be sure to check if it is signed by a judge.

The Important Thing Is to Stay Calm and Know Your Rights

When you encounter ICE at your workplace, panicking will make things worse. To help you remain calm, remember these simple steps to stay safe:

1. Stay calm. Do not run or resist.
2. If an officer stops you, ask if you are free to leave. If yes, walk away calmly. If not, remain where you are without being confrontational.
3. You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the U.S., or your immigration status. If you stay silent, say clearly: “I choose to remain silent.”
4. Never show false documents. Do not claim to be a U.S. citizen if you are not.
5. Do not sign anything without first speaking to an immigration lawyer. Signing papers you don’t understand can harm your case or lead to deportation.

If detained, you have the right to contact a lawyer. Tell officers you want to speak with an attorney. If you already have one, provide proof of that relationship, such as a signed G-28 form.

When to Hire an Immigration Attorney

The important thing to remember is that an ICE raid or inspection can affect both workers and businesses. Hiring the best immigration attorney ensures you have protection during and after these events.

An experienced immigration lawyer can:

• Represent clients in immigration court if detained.
• Help employers and workers prepare for inspections and audits.
• Offer legal assistance to immigrants applying for a green card, work permit, or citizenship.
• Provide legal defense during removal proceedings or deportation cases.
• Explain eligibility requirements for immigration benefits and relief.

Many of our immigration lawyers also work regularly with government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. As such, we are more than equipped to give employers and workers the support they need to handle immigration-related matters the right way.

How Immigration Lawyers Help Employees

If you are detained while at work, hiring an immigration lawyer to help with your case is often the right choice. Immigration lawyers assist by:

• Protecting you if ICE agents present a warrant at work.
• Defending you if you are detained or questioned about your immigration status.
• Helping you apply for naturalization, a green card, or other forms of work authorization.
• Giving you legal advice about what documents to share and what to refuse.

Workers often turn to immigration lawyers for help because immigration attorneys understand how to protect workers’ rights while keeping their families safe.

How Employers Can Protect Their Employees During an ICE Raid

Were you aware that employers also face legal risks if ICE comes to the workplace? As skilled immigration attorneys in Chicago, we want to help you understand your role, your rights, and how to protect both your staff and your business.

Here are important steps for employers:

• Ask to see the warrant. A warrant signed by a judge is required for any ICE agent to enter non-public areas. An administrative warrant is not enough.
• Do not allow ICE officers to enter private areas without a judicial warrant signed by a district court judge.
• Cooperate with I-9 audit requests. You are required to keep I-9 forms for all employees, but do not share extra information unless required. An I-9 audit is when ICE reviews these forms, but you should not willingly provide any more employee data than what is on the warrant.
• If you are unsure of what to do, consult your immigration lawyer right away.

Employers should be sure to train managers and supervisors on how best to respond if ICE comes. Having a plan reduces panic and keeps your workplace compliant with immigration law.

Why Knowledge of Immigration Law Matters

Immigration lawyers can provide clear answers about your rights, your immigration status, and your options. Many can assist you with cases involving asylum or refugee status, work visa applications, or the process of getting a green card.

A strong law firm, like ours, that specializes in immigration law will also have hands-on experience and the knowledge and understanding needed to deal with immigration and nationality law. Remember:

• Officers’ uniforms may say “police” or “federal agent.” Do not assume they are local police. Sometimes, local police work with ICE.
• Ask for officers’ names and badge numbers. Write them down if possible.
• If detained and you do not have access to a lawyer, you can contact the family support hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) for support.
• Reach out to community organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services.

Remember: ICE cannot enter a private area without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. They also cannot force your employer to give them access without permission. Still concerned? Get legal help that goes beyond paperwork.

We Are Your Immigration Lawyers in Chicago, IL

If ICE comes to your workplace, you don’t have to face it alone. Our firm is here for you with experienced immigration legal services. Our attorneys can help with your case, defend your rights, and protect your future.

Call us today at (312) 641-0771 or email azita@azitalaw.com to speak with our qualified immigration attorneys in Chicago, IL.