United States Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing border security and immigration. In the early weeks of the Trump Administration, there have been reports that ICE is increasing raids within American communities. Unfortunately, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Trump Administration have continuously failed to provide the public with straightforward information on this issue. That being said, our immigration lawyer in Los Angeless have been following reports of ICE raids and are here to share what we currently know.
Are ICE Raids Actually Increasing?
The answer is likely, yes. However, it is far from clear how much ICE policy has shifted under President Trump’s watch. Frustrating observers, definitive information has been difficult to come by on this issue. This is not surprising, as ICE has long had transparency problems.
According to a statement from DHS Secretary John Kelly, ICE has targeted enforcement operations in at least a dozen different states, including in Los Angeles, California, since the new administration came into office. However, at the same time, ICE officials have issued comments that both ‘talk up’ and ‘talk down’ the enforcement raids. Mr. Kelly himself called the raids ‘no different than the ones the agency has carried out for years’.
Yet, an agency spokesperson stated that the ‘public and highly coordinated’ nature of the raids was ‘no accident’. It appears that ICE is indeed casting a wider net and acting more aggressively under President Trump. Still, there are many false rumors flying around on social media and the internet that may be unnecessarily frightening people.
What Do Raids Mean For You and Your Family
The sad reality is, all undocumented immigrants and their family members must now be prepared for the possibility of an immigration enforcement raid. Ultimately, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry. Please keep in mind the following four tips for dealing with any ICE officials:
- Do not let immigration officials into your home. You have a constitutional right, regardless of your immigration status, to protection from unreasonable search and seizure. If an ICE official, or another other officer, asks to come into your home, always ask to see the warrant. If they do not have a warrant, decline their request.
- Get their information: If officials enter your residence anyway, which they may do, get their information. This includes names and badge numbers.
- Do not lie about your name or immigration status. Lying will only hurt you in the long run. Instead, if you have information that you worry is self incriminating, politely decline to answer any questions.
- Call an immigration attorney immediately. If you or any of your loved ones are taken into custody, or if any charges or allegations are made against you, please seek immediate legal assistance.
Get Immigration Help Now
At the Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our immigration law team is standing by, ready to help you. For immediate legal assistance, please do not delay in calling our Los Angeles office today to request your initial immigration consultation. We proudly serve immigrants throughout L.A. metro area, including in Alhambra, Monterey Park and Burbank.
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