LA ICE raids: Attorney tips on what to do if you're approached by agents

LOS ANGELES - Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are expected to carry out large-scale raids in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. LA's local immigrant communities are scared and worried for their futures.

Even people who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years have fears.

Now, there's a push for immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, to know their constitutional rights.

One immigration attorney said she is seeing more and more questions from her clients, both past and present. She's offering advice on what documents to carry to prove your status, even if you're undocumented.

Important Documents:

Attorney Rebecca Medina says that with ICE raids looming, the people most at risk are undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. less than two years. 

Medina says there are a few documents you should carry to prove your status in the U.S.

"Utility bills. It's going to be bank statements. It's going to be memberships to the gym, Costco, AAA, whatever shows that you have been present in the United States, with your name and date on it," Medina said.

What to do if ICE comes:

Medina is also warning families to prepare for "Knock and Talk" visits from ICE agents, and have a plan. She recommends appointing a guardian for minor children in case the parents are detained.

There are other steps you should take if an agent comes to your home. Medina says you should:

• Ask to see the warrant signed by a judge.
• Make sure the name on the warrant is spelled correctly.
• Don't open the door.
• Ask the agent to slide the warrant under the door, or show it through a window.
• Don't answer any questions and do not sign anything without talking to an attorney first.

Medina also says that employers can make the same demands if ICE agents come to the workplace. 

"Unless we see a judicial warrant, we're not going to allow you into the premises," Medina said. "It's also an expectation of privacy because a company, regardless of whether they let the public in their doors or not, is still private property."

Criminal Law vs Civil Violation of Immigration Law

There is a legal distinction between criminal and civil violations of immigration law. Undocumented immigrants who violate criminal law have committed actions that are explicitly defined as crimes under federal or state statutes, such as illegal reentry after deportation (a felony) or crimes like fraud, drug offenses, or violent acts. These violations can result in arrest, prosecution, and potential imprisonment. In contrast, those in civil violation of immigration law have broken administrative rules, such as overstaying a visa or entering the country without inspection. These are not criminal offenses but rather civil infractions, typically handled through immigration courts.

Crossing the border illegally is generally a civil violation for first-time offenders. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1325, unlawful entry (entering the U.S. without inspection at a designated port of entry) is a misdemeanor, making it a criminal offense. However, this is usually prosecuted selectively. If someone is caught and simply removed, it is treated as a civil matter. Repeat offenders or those who reenter after deportation can face felony charges under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, making it a criminal violation punishable by prison time.

Debate over immigration enforcement policies

The Other Side: ICE and other law enforcement agencies argue that enforcing immigration laws is essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring national security. The current administration has intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws, with President Donald Trump taking executive actions to increase ICE operations, including the deportation of individuals without legal status.

Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement emphasize that:

• The U.S. has a duty to uphold its immigration laws to maintain order and security.
• Undocumented immigrants may take jobs away from American workers or contribute to lower wages in some industries.
• Some undocumented individuals engage in criminal activity, and ICE operations aim to remove those with criminal records or previous deportation orders.
• The strain on public resources, such as schools, healthcare, and social services, is a concern for taxpayers.

On the other side, immigrant rights advocates argue that:

• Many undocumented immigrants have built lives in the U.S., working, paying taxes, and contributing to local economies.
• Immigration enforcement actions separate families, including U.S.-born children from their parents.
• ICE operations disproportionately target Latino and minority communities, leading to racial profiling and fear, even among legal immigrants and citizens.
• The U.S. immigration system is complex, outdated, and overwhelmed, making it difficult for many to gain legal status despite their positive contributions.

As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, communities, legal experts, and policymakers remain divided on how best to address the issue while balancing national security, economic factors, and humanitarian concerns.