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Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a corporate law firm with over 230 attorneys serving clients in nine offices throughout Michigan. Among the largest law firms in Michigan, Warner works in virtually all areas of business law.

Michigan Law Firm - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Over the last week, federal immigration enforcement has intensified in some parts of the country, though not yet on the scale many feared. According to reports, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made 308 arrests nationwide shortly after President Donald Trump signed new executive orders on immigration, a figure that remains consistent with the agency’s typical pace of operations rather than indicating a massive new raid. Still, officials in major cities, including Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis, are braced for large-scale sweeps targeting undocumented immigrants.

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Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would end its “sensitive location” policy, which previously limited ICE arrests at places of worship, schools and hospitals. DHS has also reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols — commonly known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy — requiring certain asylum-seekers to await their U.S. immigration hearings outside the country. These developments, alongside talk of sending additional military personnel and funding to the U.S. southern border, have heightened concerns about possible future expansion of enforcement measures. Below is an updated guide on how&nbsp;individuals and employers&nbsp;can protect themselves or their workforce during ICE encounters or raids.

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Individuals (regardless of documentation status)&nbsp;enjoy certain U.S. Constitution protections, such as the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel.

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Employers&nbsp;may face ICE visits or raids in the workplace that directly impact their staff. It is crucial to understand basic procedures for managing on-site enforcement actions and for safeguarding employee rights.

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Below is a concise guide for&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;and&nbsp;employers&nbsp;on how to respond if you encounter an ICE raid or related enforcement situation.

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You have the legal right to protect yourself if ICE shows up at your door.&nbsp;Understanding those rights and having a clear plan in place is essential&nbsp;to confidently and effectively handle the situation in the moment.

You do not have to open the door.

You have the right to remain silent.

You have the right to an attorney.

You have the right to make a phone call.

Keep important documents in a safe place and have a plan in case of an emergency.

If you believe your rights were violated, document key details (date, time and officer names) and contact a lawyer or a trusted community group.

Though ICE often targets individuals, they also conduct workplace raids that can affect employers and employees alike.&nbsp;Knowing how to respond in the moment&nbsp;can help protect your organization and the rights of those who work for you.

Stay calm and request identification.

Contact legal counsel immediately.

Review the warrant scope.

Take appropriate follow-up steps after any visit from ICE.

Have a plan for how your business will respond to a potential ICE raid.

Brief leadership, managers and HR personnel on&nbsp;basic legal rights&nbsp;and&nbsp;internal protocols&nbsp;for handling law enforcement visits.

Remember that consistent, lawful procedures help protect your organization and its workforce.

Whether you are an individual at home or an employer at the workplace, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. Keep vital documents and emergency contacts readily available, and seek legal assistance if you or someone you know is approached by ICE. By staying informed, remaining calm and knowing the correct steps to follow, you can better protect yourself, your family and your business.

For businesses seeking proactive measures, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP offers a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wnj.com/updates/search-warrant-and-subpoena-protocol-forms/">search warrant protocol package</a>, complete with an hour of consultation. This resource can help ensure you and your team are prepared should a search warrant situation arise, providing clear procedures to follow and legal guidance tailored to your organization’s needs.

If you need assistance regarding immigration policies or immigration-related issues, please reach out to any member of Warner’s Immigration Practice Group. For assistance with search warrants and appropriate protocol, please contact Madelaine Lane or Chris Tracy.

Senior Counsel

Sarah R. Bileti

Partner

Madelaine C. Lane

Associate

Christopher M. LeClair

Daniel C. “Dan” Persinger

Christopher E. “Chris” Tracy

Immigration

White Collar Criminal Defense

Ongoing ICE Raids – Key Information for Individuals and Employers

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Ongoing ICE Raids – Key Information for Individuals and Employers

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