LATINO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Know Your Rights: Business Owner Guide
As a business owner, it is crucial to understand your rights when interacting with immigration enforcement agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This page provides essential guidelines, legal resources, and tools to help protect your business, employees, and customers. Thank you to the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Warehouse Workers for Justice for sharing the key information listed below.
What to Do If ICE Visits Your Business
If ICE Agents Arrive:
- Do not allow them entry unless they present a judicial warrant.
- Stay calm and instruct all employees to remain professional.
- Verify the warrant. A valid judicial warrant must be signed by a judge and labeled “U.S. District Court” or a state court. Administrative warrants (Forms I-200 or I-205) do not give ICE permission to enter.
- Do not provide information about employees or business operations.
- Take pictures of any warrant or officer badges.
- Document everything, including the date, time, agent names, badge numbers, and reasons for the visit.
- Contact your legal team immediately.
Private Areas Are Protected
Clearly mark areas with signs such as: “STAFF AND AUTHORIZED GUESTS ONLY BEYOND THIS POINT.” ICE agents cannot enter these areas without a judicial warrant
If They Have a Judicial Warrant:
- Politely ask for a physical copy of the warrant before granting access.
- Do not allow access beyond the scope of the warrant.
- Do not answer questions about immigration status or help ICE sort workers based on nationality.
If ICE agents try to question workers, advise them:
- They have the right to remain silent.
- They do not have to hand over documents or ID.
- They should ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.
To Report an ICE Raid: Call 1-855-435-7693.
How Employers Can Prepare for ICE Actions
Create a Written Response Plan:
- Train employees on what to do if ICE arrives.
- Designate a response team to handle interactions with ICE.
- Connect with local immigrant support networks for legal and community assistance.
- Conduct “Know Your Rights” training for employees.
Train Your Staff to Handle ICE Visits:
- Employees should not talk to ICE agents or allow them to enter.
- If questioned, they can say: “I can’t give you permission to enter. You must speak with my employer.”
- ICE cannot force employees to show papers or answer questions without legal authorization.
Be Prepared for I-9 Audits:
- Keep Form I-9 records up to date.
- ICE must give at least three days’ notice before an audit.
- If there are errors, correct them before ICE arrives.
- Do not provide documents before the deadline; consult an attorney first.
After an ICE Raid or Audit:
- Write down everything that happened, including officer names and actions taken.
- Inform employees of their legal rights and options.
- Provide legal resources to affected employees.
Support Workers Facing Immigration Issues
- Offer leave time for affected employees to resolve immigration status.
- Pay any owed wages and benefits promptly.
- Provide legal referrals and contribute to immigration legal defense funds.
Legal Resources & Emergency Contacts
Key Legal Resources:
- Immigration Justice Hub – Legal guidance and emergency support.
- Employer Guide on Immigration – Download the full guide for detailed instructions.
- Handbook for Employers on I-9 Compliance – Official USCIS guidelines for maintaining I-9 forms.
Emergency Contacts:
- Report an ICE Raid: 1-855-435-7693
- National Employment Law Project (NELP): (212) 285-3025
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC): (213) 639-3900