What Happens if ICE Comes to Your Work or Home?

 Posted on July 10, 2025 in Removal Defense

When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appear at a home or workplace in the Bay Area, it creates fear and confusion for families and employees alike. These encounters can happen without warning, especially given the Trump administration’s aggressive moves towards deporting immigrants. Knowing your rights is critical to protecting yourself and your loved ones. 

Understanding what ICE can and cannot do — and how a San Francisco removal defense attorney can help if you are detained — will make all the difference in getting you through this stressful situation.

What Are Your Rights If ICE Comes to Your Home?

Federal law does not allow ICE agents to enter your home without proper authorization. In order to come inside, agents must have a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Many times, ICE officers will present an administrative warrant, which is not the same thing. An administrative warrant (Forms I-200 or I-205) is not enough to give them permission to cross your threshold.

If ICE shows up at your door, you have the right to ask them to show the warrant. You can ask that they put it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can read it. If it is not signed by a judge, you are not legally required to let them inside. It is important to remain calm and avoid any actions that could be seen as physically resisting, even if agents try to push their way in. Simply say clearly that you do not consent to their entry or to a search.

What Should You Do If ICE Comes to Your Workplace?

At certain job sites in San Francisco and throughout Northern California, ICE may carry out raids or I-9 audits to review employee records. If agents come up to you while you are working, you have rights even in this situation. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, and you can exercise your right to remain silent until you are able to speak with an attorney.

Do not lie or use fake documents. Misrepresenting your status can hurt your case and limit the legal options available to you later. If you are detained by ICE at your workplace, ask to contact an immigration attorney immediately to start a defense against possible removal.

What Happens After You Are Detained by ICE?

If you or a loved one has been detained, a removal defense lawyer will act quickly to protect your rights. An experienced attorney in San Francisco can sometimes request a bond hearing to ask for your release from detention while your case proceeds. Your lawyer can also examine whether ICE violated your rights during the arrest and file a motion to suppress any improperly obtained evidence.

In some cases, you may be eligible for relief from removal, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status. Each of these options requires a careful analysis of your immigration history and the specific circumstances surrounding your detention.

Do I Need a Lawyer if ICE Arrests Me? 

Time is a critical factor in removal proceedings. The earlier you get a lawyer involved in your case, the more options you may have to challenge deportation and fight to remain in the United States. A removal defense lawyer can guide you through complex immigration court procedures, represent you before an immigration judge, and advocate for your right to stay in the country.

Contact a San Francisco, CA Immigration Lawyer

If ICE agents have come to your home or workplace, or if you are facing removal proceedings in Northern California, contact a Bay Area immigration attorney at Hafey & Karim. Our team works with people in San Francisco and the surrounding areas to protect their rights and give them the best shot at fighting deportation. Call 214-506-0671 today to schedule a consultation.