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ICE Increases Home Raids Across the U.S.: Essential Information You Need to Know

Friday, June 20, 2025 by Madison Pena

Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of arrests conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly targeting private residences. This trend has been observed in multiple areas nationwide, including Miami, causing concern among immigration lawyers, rights advocates, and community support groups.

Rising Home Raids: Insights from Miami

Immigration attorney Ismael Labrador highlighted this alarming development in a discussion with journalist Mario J. Pentón. "We have certainly witnessed numerous home arrests throughout the U.S., especially here in Miami," Labrador noted, adding that some individuals have avoided arrest simply by not answering the door.

ICE agents have been visiting private homes, inquiring about individuals and their employment details. In some instances, migrants were apprehended just as they were leaving their houses. "ICE is clearly broadening their operations to meet their objectives, creating a very dangerous situation," Labrador stated.

Steps to Take if ICE Comes to Your Door

Labrador emphasized the correct protocol if ICE arrives at your residence: "Remember, ICE needs a warrant from a state or federal judge, not an immigration judge, to enter your home."

"So, if ICE shows up without such a warrant, you are under no obligation to open your door unless they possess an arrest warrant signed by a non-immigration judge," he reiterated.

Understanding Your Rights with ICE

ICE cannot legally enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a criminal judge (state or federal) unless you explicitly allow them to. This has been affirmed by lawyers, various organizations, and the National Immigrant Justice Center in recent months.

Key points to remember:

1. Valid Judicial Warrant Required
ICE must have a warrant signed by a state or federal judge. Administrative forms like Form I-200 or I-205 are not valid for entering your home without permission.

2. Administrative Orders Do Not Permit Entry
ICE might present internal documents (administrative orders), but these are not equivalent to a criminal judicial warrant. You are not required to open the door based on these documents.

3. You Can Deny Entry
You have the right to deny entry if they lack a valid warrant, as emphasized by many official sources.

4. Request to See the Warrant
Ask for the warrant to be shown through a window or slid under the door. Verify that it has a signature from a criminal judge (not immigration) and is addressed to your name or the correct residence.

5. Do Not Open the Door Without Confirmation
If you cannot verify the warrant's validity, do not open the door, advises the Immigrant Defense Project. Stay calm and avoid any confrontation.

6. Know and Exercise Your Rights
You can remain silent, have the right to speak with an attorney, and should not sign documents you do not fully understand.

How to Distinguish Between a Criminal and Immigration Warrant

It is crucial to differentiate between a warrant signed by a criminal judge (state or federal) and an immigration warrant, which does not authorize entry without consent.

Criminal Judicial Warrant (Allows Entry Without Permission):
The header will state: "United States District Court" (federal judge) or "Superior Court of Florida" (state judge). It will indicate criminal jurisdiction and details of the offense.

Administrative Warrant (Does Not Authorize Entry Without Permission):
The header will state "Department of Homeland Security" or "Immigration Court." It will be signed by ICE agents or immigration judges. In such cases, entry to your home without consent is not authorized.

The surge in ICE home raids underscores the urgent need for migrant communities to understand and assert their rights. As attorney Labrador stressed, not opening the door without a valid judicial warrant is a legally sound action.

Essential Questions About ICE Home Raids

What should I do if ICE arrives at my home without a warrant?

If ICE arrives without a warrant from a state or federal judge, you are not legally required to open the door. Request to see the warrant through a window or under the door before taking any action.

Can ICE enter my home with an administrative warrant?

No, an administrative warrant does not authorize ICE to enter your home without your consent. Only a warrant signed by a criminal judge allows entry without your permission.

How can I confirm if a warrant is valid?

A valid warrant will be signed by a state or federal criminal judge and should include the appropriate jurisdiction and offense details. Verify these elements before allowing entry.

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