How to Respond if ICE Visits Your Business: Rights and Guidelines for Commercial Spaces
If you own or manage a business in the United States, such as a restaurant, salon, store, or office, it’s essential to know your legal rights if ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) shows up at your workplace. To help protect your team and customers, the Imigra Foundation has created a free and practical notice that you can download and post in your place of business.
Download the Free Legal Notice from Imigra Foundation
Click here to download the PDF:
What to Do If ICE Visits Your Business – PDF
The document serves as a formal notice that your business is private property and that ICE agents may only enter private areas with a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge.
We recommend posting the sign in:
- Breakrooms, kitchens, offices, or storage areas
- Employee entrances
- Near the register or front desk
- Rear or interior doors
What does the notice say?
According to the U.S. Constitution and New York State law:
- ICE cannot enter private areas without a judicial warrant
- Administrative orders (Forms I-200 or I-205) do not authorize entry
- Everyone has the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney
- If ICE presents a judicial warrant, management or legal counsel must be contacted before allowing access
Judicial vs. Administrative Warrant: Know the Difference
| Type of Warrant | Issued By | Allows Entry into Private Areas? | Must Be Obeyed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial | Federal judge or magistrate | Yes | Yes |
| Administrative (I-200 or I-205) | ICE officer | No | No |
How to Identify a Valid Judicial Warrant
A legitimate judicial warrant includes:
- Heading from a federal court (U.S. District Court)
- Signature from a federal judge or magistrate
- Explicit authorization to enter or search
- Reference to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
If the document is signed only by an ICE officer, it does not authorize entry into non-public areas.
Knowledge is protection
Posting this notice helps you:
- Protect your staff and customers
- Prevent illegal entry or misconduct
- Be legally prepared to respond
- Build trust within your community
Imigra Foundation is here to help
We offer legal guidance, training materials, and personalized support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
- WhatsApp: +1 (347) 870-4216
- Email: info@imigrafoundation.org
- Website: www.imigrafoundation.org
Stay informed. Stay protected. Share this resource with your network.