Workplace Raids: Your Rights on the Job

The Chaos of a Raid

Workplace raids are designed to be chaotic. Dozens of agents may storm in, shouting commands, blocking exits, and separating workers.

The goal is to panic you.

They want you to run, admit you are undocumented, or sign papers you don’t understand. Your safety depends on doing the exact opposite: Remaining calm and silent.

1. Do Not Run

This is the most critical rule. running gives ICE “Reasonable Suspicion” to detain you.

• If you run: You will be tackled and arrested.
• If you stay: You force them to prove they have a reason to question you specifically.

2. Public vs. Private Spaces

ICE needs a Judicial Warrant to enter private areas of a business (like a kitchen, factory floor, or office).

• Public Area: (Lobby, dining area). They can enter like any customer.
• Private Area: (Behind the counter, break rooms). They need a warrant or the owner’s permission.
• Your Role: If you are an employee, stay in the private area unless ordered out. If you are the manager, do not give consent to enter private areas without a judicial warrant.

3. The “Am I Free to Go?” Test

Agents often block exits to prevent people from leaving. This effectively detains everyone, which may be illegal without individual warrants.

• Ask Loudly: “Am I free to go?”
• If YES: Walk away calmly. Do not run.
• If NO: You are being detained. Use your right to remain silent.

4. Silence is Your Shield

If you are detained or questioned:

• Do NOT answer questions about where you were born.
• Do NOT answer questions about your status.
• Do NOT show any fake documents.

Say loudly and clearly:

“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

5. Union & Collective Action

If you work in a unionized workplace, you may have additional protections. Some unions have “Rapid Response” protocols for raids.

• Check if your contract denies ICE entry without a warrant.
• Elect a “Safety Steward” trained to interact with agents so others don’t have to.

What Employers Should Do

If you are a business owner:

1. Train your receptionist to ask for warrants.
2. Do not obtain or store unnecessary immigration details after the I-9 process.
3. Do not let agents roam freely without a judicial warrant.

Your workplace does not have to be a trap. Preparation prevents deportation.