If you or someone in your family is an undocumented worker, you need to be concerned about the recent immigration crackdowns. ICE agents are making routine inspections of factories, and other workplaces, looking for people who are not in the United States legally. Once apprehended, these individuals can languish in detention centers indefinitely. 

Not only that, but ICE agents can also show up at your home if they have reason to believe that someone is in the country illegally. If you're worried about ICE showing up at your home, you need to know what to do if it happens. It's crucial that you take the right steps to protect yourself or your loved one. Here's what you need to know if ICE agents come to your home.

Keep the Door Closed

If ICE agents come to your home, you need to keep your doors closed and locked. Do not open them. Once you open your doors, the agents can enter. Instead, leaving the door closed and ask them to identify themselves. They may insist that you open the door, but it's important for you to remember that you have the right to keep your doors closed until they prove who they are and that they have the legal right to be there.

Ask About a Warrant

Once you've determined who they are and that they do come from the immigration department, you'll need to ask them for a warrant. They can't legally enter your home unless they have a legal search warrant that has been signed by a judge. If they don't have a warrant, ask them to return when they have one. If they do have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door so that you can look at it. A legal search warrant should have the name of the court that issued the warrant, the name of the judge who authorized it, the name of the person that ICE is looking for, areas of the home to be searched, and the signature of the judge who authorized the warrant. If those items aren't on the warrant, you don't have to open the door.

Seek Legal Representation

If the agents at your home do have a legal warrant, you'll need to open the door. However, it's crucial that you contact an immigration attorney right away. If you're the person that they're looking for, you should ask to speak to an attorney as soon as the agents enter your home. If the agents are looking for a loved one of yours, you should encourage them to remain silent until they have an attorney present. Again, be sure to contact an immigration attorney immediately.

For more information, contact your local immigration lawyers.